Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at Ruby K. Johnson Chapel for Mr. Carlester Duan Walker, 42, who died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Elder James Powell officiated with interment following in the Powell’s Ministry Church of God in Christ Cemetery in New Hebron.

Mr. Carlester Walker was born to Mr. Jerome Oatis and Miss Mattie Walker. He graduated in 1997 with honors from Lawrence County High School where he was the class President as well as class comedian.  After graduating high school, he attended Co-Lin Community College majoring in Political Science. He continued his studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Minor in History. He also received a Master of Science in Economic Development and was a McNair Scholarship recipient at USM.

Mr. Walker met the love of his life in 2001, Darlene McLaurin and later married her in 2007. They created Walker Insurance, LLC and Black and White Productions, LLC.

He joined and was instrumental in the establishing of Powell’s Ministry Church of God in Christ where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and in any other capacity needed.

he was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; grandparents, Mary and Samuel Oatis and Rita and N. D. Walker.

He is survived by his parents, Mattie Walker and Jerome (Etta) Oatis; mother-in-law, Earlena McLaurin of Hernando; sisters, Cassandra Oatis of Monticello; Consuelo (Cory) Barnes of New Hebron; god daughter, Kyria Powell; god son, Danny Powell; god brothers and the crew, J. P., Terrance, Levon, Kinlaw, Mond, Pokee, Rod, J-Roc, B.P., Russell, Smoke and Chris Odom; friend, Mamie McNair; and his C-Spire/Zap Wireless Family and many other relatives and friends.