Mr. Jerome Walker

Jerome Walker, age 70, of Biloxi, MS reached his final destination after a perfect landing on Wednesday July 3, 2024 in Biloxi, MS. 

Jerome was born October 12, 1953, in Newton, MS, the 4th child of five siblings of George Wills Walker and Luberda (Burks) Walker. Jerome's life was remarkable and well lived. Growing up in the projects of North Gulfport Jerome always had a thirst of rising above and being the best version of himself.  He set his standards high and set sail not only in understanding the assignment but successfully completing the assignment, above and beyond expectations.

Jerome graduated from North Gulfport High School where he served as Class President in 1971. He started college shortly afterwards in the Fall of 1971 at Mississippi State University but decided to transfer to an HBCU -Mississippi Valley State where he continued to excel with honors. At MVSU he received recognition for his scholastic excellence which included induction into the National Chapter of "Who's Who” in American Colleges & Universities. He decided during his sophomore year to become a member of the Beta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He was fondly given the nickname of "Dr" and "Keebler". He met his wife of 50 years Claudette during the winter semester of his freshman year. They dated for a couple of years, then decided to marry with several of his frats participating in the Church wedding. After the wedding they loaded up in a very old Oldsmobile with his wife Claudette and traveled six hours back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Jerome graduated with honors from MVSU and after several interviews with some major oil companies and Huntsville Space Flight Center, Jerome took a position with Ingalls Shipbuilding where he worked for 43 years. In 2017 he was awarded Master Shipbuilder for 40 years of service. During his career at Ingalls, he was intentional about thriving for the best. He was part of a very close-knit work family that he loved unconditionally. He was recognized locally, nationally and abroad for his work ethics, loyalty, fairness, kindness, integrity, exceptional knowledge and respect of all people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Willis Walker and Luberda (Burks) Walker; sister Margaret Walker; and brother-in-law, Donald Mingo.

Jerome leaves to share and cherish his memories - his wife of 50 years Claudette; the apple of his eye, his one and only daughter, Alicia who was by his side daily during the last phase of his life; his brothers, Larry (Lula) Walker Sr of Gulfport, MS and Robert Walker of San Antonio, TX; his sister, Maggie Mingo; a special uncle, Charles Burks of Newton, MS; as well as his many other relatives; his puppy children, Chico Jasper and Celia Rose; Brothers of Omega Psi Phi; his work family Ingalls Shipbuilding; and many friends and associates.

A memorial service will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jerome Walker.