Lynnette Denise Walker (née Forney) was born on August 10, 1953, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ethel Naomi and George Rufus Forney. After the passing of her father when she was just five years old, Lynette was lovingly raised by her mother in the Glenville neighborhood along with her three younger siblings.

She attended several elementary and junior high schools before graduating from Glenville High School in June 1971. That same summer, she welcomed her beloved son, Robert Curtiss.

Two years later, in June 1973, Lynnette married Ronald Lee Walker, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Danielle, born on Mother’s Day, 1976. The young family purchased their first home on Holyoke Road in East Cleveland, later settling into their longtime residence on Winsford Road in Cleveland Heights in 1977.

Lynnette held many meaningful and diverse positions that reflected her thirst for knowledge and love of learning. Her professional journey began at Schaul Manufacturing Company, followed by roles at Central National Bank and The Higbee Company. After the birth of her daughter, she devoted time as a stay-at-home mother before resuming her career at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine’s Department of Biometry in 1978. She went on to serve at University Hospitals of Cleveland (1983-1990) and later became office manager for the Dean of the College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, where she worked from 1990 to 2009.

While working full time, Lynnette pursued her education with determination. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies in December 2000, a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Bioethics, and completed extensive graduate coursework in Community Health Education, coming within two courses of completing her Master of Science in Health Science. She continued to share her expertise at the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Board until her retirement on January 1, 2016.

Curious, vibrant, and always eager to learn, Lynnette loved traveling, researching new ideas, and meeting people. She had a passion for the arts—enjoying concerts, plays, music, and dancing—and took great pride in her home and yard. Above all, she treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Her generosity extended far beyond her family, as she supported numerous charitable organizations both financially and through service. Lynnette often reflected, “I have lived a full life and am grateful for the many experiences and memorable moments.”

She is preceded in death by her son, Robert C. Walker; she survived by daughter, Lisa Walker Husain; siblings Georgette Jackson, Karma Forney, and Terry Forney; half-sisters Marla Lampley and Sharon Parks; nieces Angelle Jackson, Kimberly Cole (Forney), Nicole Jackson, Janell Forney, and Patrice Forney-Perkins (Tenisha); nephews Terrell Forney and Brian Jackson; grandchildren Crystal, Shon, Ameer, Aja, Eric, Krishanna, Chanel, Wesley, DeBron, Kadar, Sumayyah, and Azhar; and nine great-grandchildren.