Charles Abraham Walker
Charles Abraham Walker, "Abe", was born on November 7, 1996, in Roanoke, VA. He went home from the hospital with a foster family but soon found his way into the home and loving heart of Dianne Walker who adopted him shortly thereafter. Abe was born with multiple health concerns and special needs. At 4 months old it was determined he needed heart surgery. This took place at Duke University. Dianne, of course, went with him and remained by his side for the surgery and the 2 week recovery time there at DUKE. Throughout his life he has had several other surgeries at UVA, Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Lewis Gale. Dianne's philosophy has always been that "special needs children are worth the work", proven out time and time again by her care and love for Abe.
Abe left this world to be with Jesus on January 1, 2025. His 28 years seem far too short to contain all the love of his family, Challenger baseball coaches and teammates, professional therapists, group home staff, teachers and many others who have gotten to know him over the years. Left to grieve are all the people whose lives he has touched - most of all, his mother, Dianne Walker, his sister, Ruthanna Walker, and his two brothers, Paul and Ronnie Walker.
Abe lived life to the fullest, exhibiting great joy in the many simple pleasures of life: he loved Challenger baseball, both as a player and cheering on his sister and brothers as they played. Music was an especially happy part of Abe's life. There was always a need for batteries in the Walker home to make sure his many musical toys were working! He especially loved his sister, "Sissy'', singing with him. He would clap his hands gleefully - especially to his favorites like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Wheels on the Bus. B-I-N-G-O was a definite favorite, especially because they had a dog named Bingo! Favorite foods also gave Abe a great deal of pleasure -powdered donuts, strawberry milk, biscuits, pancakes, pizza, spaghetti, and his mom's jello jigglers being some of his all time favorites. Water play was also a great pastime - his siblings would help with bath time making fun "bubble creations" with the tub filled with bubble bath! Abe loved pools and even ventured into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean every Mother's Day trip to the Challenger Tournament in Virginia Beach.
Many people over the years helped provide the care Abe needed to enjoy life. He lived for a time at Grafton Residential in Winchester, VA and The Training Center in Lynchburg, VA before settling into life at Good Neighbors Group Home. Abe had most recently joined the caring staff of Zuriel, LLC, a Richmond based group home owned by Zuriel Smith, former NFL player, that has recently come to the Roanoke area.
Although Abe's communication skills were somewhat limited, he knew some sign language and loved giving hugs. His special "hug" for his momma was forehead to forehead. Besides bringing joy and laughter to many in his life, he also is blessing many many people he never knew through the donation of his organs to those in need.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 31st at Parkway Church on the Mountain from 6:00-8:00 PM. A light meal will be provided. Come ready to share your stories of Abe. His mom would be grateful for cards expressing your love for Abe and any experiences of how you have known him.
Special thanks to Simpson Funeral Home for their generous support & cremation services.
