“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Justine Leonard Walker, affectionately called “Jessie,” transitioned from this earthly life on September 13, 2026, at the age of 90, at her home, surrounded by family.

Justine was born on September 26, 1935, to the late Leon and Diana Leonard in Amite, Louisiana. She matriculated through the St. Helena Parish School System.

In 1958, Justine was united in marriage to the late Reverend John David Lands, and she faithfully served as First Lady of Gloryland Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1971, she married the late Isaac Walker, and together they successfully operated one of the first Black-owned gas stations in the Eden Park area. She possessed a natural gift of caring for others, which led her to become a Nursing Assistant. She further expressed that gift through her work as a Private Duty Sitter. She was deeply committed to providing compassionate, dependable care to those entrusted to her. She used her experience and leadership to staff private-duty sitters for families whenever additional home care was needed.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her devoted daughter, Carla Lands (David) Bowers of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; her half-daughter, Sandra Gail Walker-Truitt of Los Angeles, California; her sister, Helen Smith of New Orleans, Louisiana; her brother, Leon Leonard Jr. of Amite, Louisiana; her special cousin-daughter, Carol Ann Mack of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; her granddaughters, Caitlin Bowers of Houston, Texas, Jhastevia (Willie) Stevenson, Jharyel (Tedrick) Rudison, Keniya Selvage, Antoinette Selvage, Tamera Lewis, Lekeldra Cooper, and Darylnessia Augustus; her grandsons, Denako Duheart and Kendrick (Valencia) Selvage of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Caleb Bowers of Lawton, Oklahoma; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Justine was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Leon and Diana Leonard; her three children, Kelvin Wayne, Darryl Keith “Buster,” and Tarleshia Lanesa "Nesa"; seven sisters; and three brothers.

The Final Viewing will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 221 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rev. Dr. Errol Domingue will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Winnfield Funeral Home & Memorial Park.