Love Never Fails
In Memory of Ella Burkhalter 
 (My Aunt &  Godmother)

Every now and then, God creates someone who possess the essence of Love which is displayed and given freely to others without expecting anything in return.  My Aunt Ella was a chosen vessel created  just  for this reason. Her Spirit of Love, wisdom, and dedication towards giving and pouring into the lives of others was displayed in many exemplary ways.  She was a Virtuous Woman whose children arise to call her Blessed, this was displayed by the way they nurtured and took care of her with so much precious love.  Uncle Ray and Aunt Ella shared an endless love which was felt deep within the hearts of all who witnessed their relationship.  Being the oldest sister, she was considered the Matriarch of the Walker Family and  loved all of her sisters and brothers.  Most of them came to California and stayed with her as they transitioned from the State of Louisiana.

As a child, I remember her many acts of kindness generated towards me with gifts, I would receive in the mail.  When I was thirteen years old, ( I am now over seventy) I still remember my Aunt Ella sponsoring my first trip to CA.  I remember her gentle spirit and radiant smile which lit up a room when she entered in.  Her attendance at our 25 Wedding Anniversary was such an honor as she represented my Mother.  Being my Mentor  and role model was a tremendous Blessing.  I dreamed of living in CA one day because Aunt Ella lived there.  Also, I wanted to become an educator because she was one.  I always wanted a beautiful home because she had one.  Aunt Ella was an example for me, she taught me to dream big dreams, and to have goals and visions that surpassed all understanding. 

Thanks to my Godmother, Aunt Ella and her  anointing spirit of giving to others, God enabled all of my dreams to come true. I know that she’s rejoicing in Heaven as we celebrate her life.  The Gates of Heaven opened wide when she appeared as the Angels sang and shouted the victory.  There was a great Family Reunion when she met all of her loved ones.  She left a Legacy of Love and Giving that once you received it, you became a better person.  I’ll always cherish our special moments of laughter, joy and precious love.  I simply pray that I can pass on to others what she gave to me. Thank you, Aunt Ella for loving on me... Your Love Never Failed. Now, God has spoken and said, “Well done Ella Burkhalter.” You fought a good fight, Kept the Faith, finished your race, now enter into  my Kingdom. 
By: Dorothy Walker, Fisher

My mother, Ella Burkhalter, worked hard all her life and taught her children and students to work hard in pursuit of their happiness and remain determined. She was extremely hospitable as she aided many relatives and friends to move to California in search of a better life. Now asleep in death, Ella awaits the Master's voice to come out of the memorial tombs to a perfect life in paradise.

By Ben Myles

I migrated to California in 1956. I was so fortunate to have my cousin, Ella living in Marin at the time, who opened her home to me and my friend who also came with me from Louisiana. She was gracious enough to take me to the employment office where I was able to land my first temporary job with a civil engineering co. I was able to live with Ella until I could rent my own apartment. I would often tell her children that this is how I got my start in California. It took a person with a mighty big heart to open her home, not only to me but also to my friend. She made us feel so welcome for as long as we lived with her. I will always remember her generosity and love.
Ben Myles, Cousin

By Ben Tucker

In the early 80’s to the mid-90’s I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Burkhalter.  She was the Head Counselor at El Cerrito High School and I was a UC Berkeley Admissions Outreach Officer.  My job was to identify and recruit qualified underrepresented minority students (African American, Chicano/Latino, Native American) to the Berkeley campus.  In many ways it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.  There were precious few high schools with a critical mass of underrepresented students who met UC admissions requirements.

Over the years Ms. Burkhalter became a key partner in the University’s effort to diversify its undergraduate student population.  I worked with her to identify students at her school and in the community who had the potential to succeed at Berkeley. Once identified we enrolled them in college prep courses and provided them with the academic support to achieve at the highest level.  We organized campus visits for students and parents who had an opportunity to sit in on classes, meet with Berkeley students and faculty, attend sporting events, and eat in the dining commons.

These activities required a great deal of time and effort.  Ms. Burkhalter put in that time and effort which resulted in El Cerrito High becoming a top feeder school to the Berkeley campus and UC campuses systemwide.  Also, with Ms. Burkhalter assistance the Berkeley campus’s underrepresented student population increased significantly.

She was a tough taskmaster but a pleasure to work with, because she was all about achieving the desired results; getting the job done, and holding students and parents to a high standards of conduct and performance.  Her focus was always about helping students realize their full potential.  I learned so much from working with her over the years; how to motivate students, inform parents, and organize large events.  She exemplified what it meant to be an Educator.  She was an Educator Extraordinaire.

She will be missed, but she has left her mark in the hearts and minds of many students, parents, and educators.

Here's lighting a candle in celebration of our mother's birthday. Happy Birthday Mother!

Remembering my beloved mother who passed away three years ago today. She was a powerful and influential figure in my life, and the life of many who reaped the benefits of her wisdom and counsel.

Here's lighting a candle in memory of my mother who would have been 95 today. There is not a day that comes and goes without me thinking about how she had a major impact on my life and the lives of so many others.

I miss my beloved mother, Ella Mae Burkhalter, whom I think about every day, and especially today for April 20 is the anniversary of her passing four years ago. She was a powerfully influential figure in my life and the life of many who reaped the benefits of her wisdom and counsel. As a junior high and high school counselor, she stressed the importance of dreaming big, setting goals, and being persistent. She had one of the biggest and most generous hearts when it came to giving and helping others. During this critical time of uncertainty and the deadly coronavirus, her legacy of giving and helping others is much needed. Here's lighting a candle with loving thoughts and memories of my mother.

Today is the anniversary of my mother's passing. It's hard to believe that it has already been 5 years since she joined the realm of our ancestors. Here's lighting another candle in loving memory of the many wonderful things that she did for me and so many others.

It seems like only yesterday when I lit a candle in celebration of my mother's 96th birthday...How time flies! Well, here's raising my glass today in celebration of what would have been her 97th birthday.  Happy Birthday Mother!!

Yesterday was the 6th year anniversary of my mother's passing. As my daughter often stated, "my grandma walked with a big stick." This "big stick" symbolizes the various degrees of discipline and love that she extended to family, relatives, friends, and the many students whom she embraced and inspired.  Here's saluting my mother for showing me how to be strong, compassionate and wise.

Happy Heavenly birthday to my beautiful mother who turned 98 years old yesterday. Love you and miss you a lot!

Remembering my beautiful mother, and keeping her close to my heart now and forever.

Lighting a candel for my mother who would have turned 98 today.  She will forever be in my heart, and the hearts of family, relatives, friends and the many students whom she guided throughout their high school years.

Dearest mother, I raise my glass to you in celebration of your birthday, a combined heaven and earth total of 101 years. I miss your beautiful smile, jokes, and gigantic hugs. Love you! ??

Wow, it is hard to believe that today is the 102nd anniversary of my mother's birth. Here's raising my glass, and lighting a candle in celebration of her heavenly birthday.?????? Love you mother! ????