Vondie began her Seattle life in 1985 while a resident at the Seattle Children's Home. While there she met and "adopted" Shari Bernhardt and Laurie Lindeman and with them established a wonderful family relationship. She graduated from Ballard High School, class of 1987. She lived on her own and worked as a manager at McDonald's for over ten years. Vondie had aspirations to become a child psychologist and took classes at Seattle Central Community College. She loved to write poetry and songs, dance, play in the snow, watch movies, and eat pizza. Vondie took extra delight in making people happy and showered all with gifts, which included bags and bags of happy meal toys. More than anything she loved hugs, and lots of them. 

     Vondie battled Sickle Cell Disease all of her life and showed tremendous strength in living through the pain and trying to maintain a normal life. She was an inspiration. Vondie was a Christian and was relentless in her faith.

     Vondie reconnected with her family in eastern Washington and reestablished loving bonds. She will be remembered forever by both of her families for her contagious laugh, generous spirit, and strong will.

     We miss you Vondie.



Memorials may be made to:

YWCA, 1118 5th Ave, Seattle 98101, Attn Brenda McCallon

(Be sure to write "in memory of LaVonda Walker." This will direct funds to the same family in the Christmas Adopt-a-family program.) or

Seattle Children's Home, 2142 10th Ave W, Seattle WA 98119

(Holiday Gift Fund)