Rashara was born in Salisbury, North Carolina in the summer of 1977, the hottest day (July 9) to that point, in that year. The first child of Curtis Sr. and Marilyn as he completed his seminary training at Hood Theological Seminary. Rashara’s name – was carefully crafted by her mother as a reference to Ahmad ‘Rashad’ an American football player. Her middle name DeLynn, is a combination of two of her aunts, (De)nise and Elisa (Lynn) from both sides of her family. As the daughter of a pastor whose appointment changed over the years, Rashara completed primary and secondary schooling in Buffalo, NY, Montgomery, AL, and Akron, OH. Rashara received her Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration and Management from Hampton University in Hampton, VA, and her Master of Public Administration from the University of Akron. She committed her leadership and operational planning skills to her professional work in the public sector in social services.

Rashara was a lifetime advocate for children through her work as the Dually Involved Youth (DIY) Coordinator and the CASA Volunteer Coordinator at Summit County Juvenile Court. Most recently, as the DIY coordinator she facilitated youth involved in both child abuse/neglect and juvenile delinquency proceedings. As a volunteer coordinator, she supported CASA volunteers as they advocated on behalf of abused and neglected children. It’s no surprise that Rashara excelled at this work and was recognized as a juvenile court employee of the year.

Rashara D. Walker accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was a member of Wesley Temple A.M.E Zion church and later attended Beth-El A.M.E. Zion church as well as other places of worship.

Over the years, she sang in both school choirs and Youth choirs, also directing the Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion church choir for some time – connecting her passion for music with her natural abilities. Growing her faith in a supportive community, she sought out leadership roles and encouraged others along their faith journeys to know God for themselves through scripture, song, and prayer.

Rashara was an avid runner. She supported The Andrea Rose Teodosio 5k several times, raising awareness of the memorial event. She ran in multiple relay races over the years, helping teams of friends ‘Run the Blue Line’ and she accomplished a personal goal to complete a half marathon on September 29, 2018, when she posted a time of 3:10 at the Akron Half Marathon – crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with her father. As an outstanding and active cheerleader, she also supported runners achieve their goals, like her brother, Curtis Jr, when he ran the Cleveland Marathon in 2021.

Rashara was a passionate dog lover, and she opened her heart and home to several furry friends and shared her love generously with them – prioritizing their comfort and making them family the entire time they were in her care – Jax (Akita, 9 years, 9/19/16), Alecia, Hondo, Ben (Double Doodle, 2 years).

Rashara loved to travel – beginning her adventures with family on cruise ships and road trips to national parks. She flew internationally to Paris and London with her mother after completing college – when she likely developed the urge to explore. In recent years she put her organizational and leadership skills to service in coordinating trips with extended family – prioritizing making memories and creating new traditions. She valued family time and always wanted to deepen the connection with her loved ones.

She was initiated into the Zeta Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Spring, 2001, joining four cousins and her sister in a legacy of service to all mankind.  After a brief time away to focus on family, she recently returned to Zeta Theta Omega, eager to rejoin her sisters in service.

Of all her many accomplishments, Rashara most treasured her role as a mother to her beloved daughter, Kaelynn Elise Walker. Rashara had always looked forward to motherhood and she cared for Kaelynn with joy and focused dedication. From swim classes to coaching on the soccer field, Rashara was present, engaged, and always provided a wealth of opportunities for Kaelynn’s healthy growth and development. She taught Kaelynn the importance of faith and family, fostering connections to God and ensuring frequent visits to family both near and far.  She was also a caring and thoughtful aunt, advising on hair styles, outfits, college selections, checking in and serving as a listening ear; and always planning fun activities and gatherings.  She was a well-loved auntie to her siblings’ children, Gabi, Zachary, Matthew, Bennett, and Evan., along with bonus nieces and nephews Taylor, Mikayla, William, Briana, Elijah, Savannah, Mya, Nevaeh, Braylon, Ariah, and DeAngelo.

Rashara was preceded in death by grandparents, Willie Mae Murray (Melvin, Murray, Sr.) and Emma T. Walker.

She is survived by her daughter, Kaelynn Elise Walker; mother, Marilyn Murray; father, Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker, Sr. (Vanessa Dale); siblings, Dr. Vanessa Walker Harris, Dr. Curtis T. Walker, Jr. (Betsy); bonus siblings, Will Oliver and Tracie Oliver McCormick (Ray); special friends, Shayla Pruitt and Meridith Mackowski; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.