Earnestine "Boolo" (Russell) Walker

October 3, 1944, Mrs. Earnestine (Boolo) Rus­sell Walker was born in Altheimer, Arkansas. The youngest daughter of the late Wesley (Bro) Russell, Sr. and Eliza Jane Crater Russell. On June 4, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, Earnestine gained her wings and joined the heavenly choir. 

Preceding her in death are siblings: Surlena Rob­inson and Wesley Russell Jr. 

As a child, faith was no stranger in the Russell home. Earnestine confessed hope in Christ in 1957. At Mount Bayou Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer, AR, she faithfully served the Youth and Young Adult Departments, Secretary, and the Young Adult Choir for 22 years. Earnestine would later unite with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Altheimer, where her time, talent, and treasure were viable in serving as both a choir member and treasurer. She relocated to Pine Bluff, AR, Watkin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Kenneth E. Jones, Sr. - and was undoubtedly, a member of the Adult Choir. 

Earnestine was affectionately known as Boolo, a recipient of public education from Martin High School in Altheimer, AR. In her formative years, she attended classes a few days each week because she worked at Busy Bee Cafe and chopped cotton. These responsibilities did not deter her from tak­ing care of business in the classroom, where she maintained honor roll status. Boolo was a lover of all sports but, basketball was her passion! So much so, it landed her a full scholarship to AM&N (now UAPB). 

Earnestine was no stranger to hard work. Her unwavering commitment to better herself was evi­dent, as she attended UAPB and was a member of the Phi Beta Lambda Honor Society. Boolo earned her degree in Agriculture Finance with a minor in Business Education. After a career spanning more than two decades, she retired from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1995. 

Boolo joined in holy matrimony with Theaoutry Walker in February 1980. Boolo had many hobbies: cosmetology, reading, fishing, and her all-time favorite: quilting. As a child, she shared fond quilting memories with her maternal grandmother receiving her first pair of scissors and honing her craft to join others who shared in the joy of quilting.

Boolo's infectious smile will forever be missed and treasured in our hearts. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: three daughters; Barbara (James) Mazique, Sharon (Terrance) Robinson, both of Pine Bluff, AR, and Pamela Owens of Little Rock, AR, two sons; Anthony(Cheryl) Brown and Jason Walk­er both of Pine Bluff, AR, twelve grandchildren: Christopher Rice Sr., Courtney Mazique, J'Cara Robinson, Terrance Robinson Jr., Jerricah Rob­inson, Kameron Grigsby, Jason Walker Jr., Timo­thy Mazique, Taneisha Mazique, Marcus Mazique, Jakierea Urquhart, and Emiahrea Johnson, thir­teen great-grandchildren, two nieces; Sandra Hines-Redwood and Cynthia Armstrong-Wash­ington, three nephews; Jerry Hines, Marcus Hines, and Vincent Hines, a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and friends. 

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