Recently, D. Felecia Walker, presented her recent publication, From Better to Worse: A Memoir of Unconditional Love, to Zion New Jerusalem Church. Mrs. Walker, a professional dietician, is the widow of the late Dr. David Walker.

Her publication chronicles the Herculean hurdles she and her family met, believing that it would help other families who have or are experiencing the dynamics and complexities of having a principal family member infected with AIDS/HIV.

Mrs. Walker begins her book with ‘The Courtship and Wedding’ of she and Dr. Walker and continues with the ‘Years Before the Children,’ ‘The Blessings of the Children’ and the ‘Heartache, the Pain, and the Struggle,’ she endured following February 14, 1988, Valentine’s Day, and the revelation of her husband’s secret.

Mrs. Walker, a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics. She also earned a Masters in ‘school business management’ from the University of Northern, Iowa.
Walker currently serves as the dietician for the Metropolitan Nashville/ Davidson County School System.

In addition to her work, she serves on the Community Advisory Board of the Center for AIDS Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine. She is sought after as a lecturer and speaker at various churches, universities and community groups all over the country.
Rev. Dr. David Walker grew up in Memphis, Tenn. He was a professor in the Department of Music at Tennessee State University as well as president of TSU’s Faculty Senate. Annually, he blessed Nashville with his annual community symphonic Christmas carols.

“The Walkers’ were the parents of two children who have also been a blessing to the Nashville community,” said Rev. Inman E. Otey, a long-time friend of the Walker’s and the minister at Zion New Jerusalem Church. “Their daughter, Dannelle Walker, is the General Counsel for the state of Tennessee Board of Education. Her son, David Jon Walker, is asst. professor of ‘art in graphic design’ at Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a talented graphic artist and producer. “Mrs. Walker’s book is a must read.”

Her book also comes highly recommended through it’s foreword written by Dr. Joseph W. Walker, senior pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Billy McBride, assistant athletic director, Amherst College; Dr. Bernardeen Fleming, interim dean, Tennessee State University, School of Nursing; Cheryl A. Newman, administrator, Los Angeles Unified School District; Rev. Dr. H. Bruce Maxwell, pastor, Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church; and Lela Hollabaugh, attorney, Waller Lansden, Dortch & Davis, LLP.
From Better to Worse: A Memoir of Unconditional Love is available at Alkebu-Lan Images on Jefferson Street.

Zion New Jerusalem Church and Ministry is located at 2223 Morena Street, Nashville, Tenn. For additional information on the church and their ministries, call 615-321-5672 or e-mail <minotey@comcast.net>. Rev. Otey also invites the community to services held on the first and third Sundays of each month, beginning with an 11:30 am brunch.