Ruby Marlene Walker, born September 9, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, was raised by her parents Charlesetta and Crawford Blakley in San Francisco, California. Ruby, who was the eldest of three siblings (Dorothy, Sophronia, and Omar) came to San Francisco when she was just 3 years old. She was not only the eldest child, but at a young age she was like a tiny mother to her brother and sisters, a trait that she would go on to display throughout her life, as she would become a 2nd mother and positive light to many who have had the pleasure of knowing her.

In her youth, Marlene (as she was affectionately called by those close to her) spent lots of time with her father (he just adored her), and with his guidance she soon learned and took charge of cleaning and cooking meals around the house. Young Marlene displayed such a big heart and an exceptional ability to take care of her home and siblings, that eventually other parents around the neighborhood noticed and began recruiting her to babysit their children.

Although inherently shy, as Marlene grew older she became a radiant figure within her community, around Page street (in San Francisco). She had lots of friends whom she met in the neighborhood, but probably none were closer than her and her best friend, who became more like a sister, Clara Powell. They met when they were 10 years old and would go on to become sister friends for life with their immediate families forever bonded and intertwined.

In grade school, Marlene was an excellent student who loved to learn. She graduated from George Washington High School when she was just 17. From there, Marlene was eager to make her way in the world and as a young adult she would work meticulously to land her first corporate job at one of the most prestigious Bank of America branches in downtown San Francisco.

Her parents were extremely proud of her and bragged to their friends about their daughter “the banker.” Marlene started off as a Bank Teller and worked in various roles and even managed a number of different departments over the course of her 22 years at the bank.

Ruby enjoyed her life, cultivating friendships that started early on Page street and expanded as she explored the city and country beyond. She would soon become a dedicated mother to three beautiful children. In 1976 she had her first child Eugene McIver with Malry McIver of Oakland, CA. In 1980 she was blessed with her second baby boy, Jermaine “aka Budda” Walker, whom she had with Timothy Edwards. In 1981 Ruby relocated from Oakland to Alameda, CA where she would establish her home in the Buena Vista apartment complex. Finally, in 1982 Marlene would welcome along with Jerry Jerome Trainor, her first and only daughter Nikole Trainor.

After moving to Alameda, Ruby was soon reunited with Mr. Forist Embry. Forist and Ruby met earlier in life and later married. Together they raised Ruby’s three kids and fostered a home where all of their family and friends were welcome. The Walker-Embry household was a lively place, full of love. On any given day you could find a host of extended relatives, cousins, and friends hanging out playing cards and sharing laughs. Ruby displayed such a positive and warm spirit that no matter what you needed, she was always there for you and willing to help.

After retiring from the banking industry, Marlene decided to attend San Francisco City College as a student where she would become a full time Education Administrator/BioTech Coordinator, while also earning her A.A. degree. She was a liaison for many young African Americans in the BayView Hunters Point community and strived to motivate and empower them to educate themselves and seek careers in biotech and other growing industries.

Much like in her personal life, Marlene was a mentor to many of her students at city college in, and out of the school setting. At home, Marlene was not only a mother to her three children, but she was the matriarch for her entire family, who looked to her for positive inspiration, guidance and support. Throughout her life, Marlene was the ROCK that her family could lean on, and the glue that held them all together. Her presence is irreplaceable and will undoubtedly be missed as with her smile, gleaming personality and contagious laugh.

Marlene was preceded in death by her mother Charlesetta Blakley, her father Crawford Blakley, her cousin Van Curtis-Banks, her lifelong sister-friend Clara Powell and her good friend Elaine Seymore.

She leaves to celebrate her life, Three children, Eugene, Jermaine and Nikole; Two sisters Dorothy and Sophronia; One brother Omar; Brother in law Douglas Earl, Two aunts, Louise “Pinkie” Hardison and Jeannette Gist; Uncle Ernest, Nephews, Timothy, Ryant, and Travelle; Nieces, L'oreal, Charlesetta, and Diamond; God Daughters Felicia Davis and Alisha Powell, Two Grandchildren Katrell and Eugene Jr., Cousins, Yulanda Simmons, Deborah, Author, Tanisha, & Kevin Nious. She leaves behind a host of other great nieces & nephews, cousins, other relatives and Many, Many Friends. “SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.”

THE LOVE OF FAMILY is life’s greatest blessing and Marlene relished each moment shared. In the African American culture, we know we are the village; blended and extended, it’s all family to God

 

Order of Service Friday, November 6, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94560

Officiant: Pastor Jerry Blackmon

Welcome/Opening Prayer…………………………………………….Pastor Jerry Blackmon

Old & New Testament Scripture Reading………………………….Pastor Jerry Blackmon

Poem Reading………………………………………..……..………Diamond Eugene

1st Video Tribute (5 Minutes)….…………………………………………….“Mamma Ruby”

Reading Of The Obituary………………………………………………………Cherron Hunter

Words Of Expression/Acknowledgements…………………………………..Jermaine Walker

Reflections (3 Minutes Please)………………………………………………..Family & Friends

2nd Video Tribute (12 Minutes)………………………………..……………“Mamma Ruby”

Words Of Comfort……………………………………………………..Pastor Jerry Blackmon

Recessional……………………………………………………………………..Musical Selection