It was a heart to serve Christ and others that defined Mary Pauline Higginbotham Walker.
Born Mary Pauline Higginbotham to Paul and Mary Higginbotham on August 6, 1927, in Village Springs, Alabama, Pauline was the second born to five sisters and two brothers. After graduating from Jefferson County High School in Tarrant, Alabama, Pauline attended Howard College (now Samford University) before transferring to Southeastern Bible College where, in 1951, she earned a General Bible degree. She, alongside her husband, continued her education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Religious Education in 1955.
Married to Ernest Dewey Walker on July 7, 1951, Pauline embraced her call to be a pastor's wife. Mrs. Walker served alongside her husband at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Elmore, Alabama (1951-1956), Memphis Baptist Church, Dothan, Alabama (1956-1960) and First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, Florida (1960-1989). She also shared in mission work in Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New York, and Colombia, South America. After retirement, Mrs. Walker, together with her husband, joined the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and facilitated church planting in Bremen, Germany (1992-1994), and later in East Berlin, Germany. Upon their return, they partnered in ministering in Sitka, Alaska, and various churches in Okaloosa County, Florida.
During her time in ministry, Pauline was active in teaching children and equipping children's leaders to lay a foundation for Christ in young lives. She was employed at First Baptist Church Valparaiso Daycare for several years and while in Germany, Mrs. Walker held Children's ministry and Vacation Bible School workshops throughout Europe. At 89 years of age, Pauline taught 3 years olds in Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, Valparaiso, FL. Pauline was also passionate about teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) at First Baptist Church, Niceville, and taught until her late 80s.
Pauline Walker is survived by her sisters, Peggie Smith and Judy Key (Richard) sons, Tim (Marianela) Walker and Steve (Donna) Walker and daughters, Annette (Bill) Negast and Martha (Kenley) Newman. Mrs. Walker was further blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pauline's greatest desire was to raise her children to love and serve Jesus Christ, serve others and teach Bible truths. It can truly be said of Mary Pauline Higginbotham Walker, "But the greatest among you will be your servant." (Matthew 23:11)