Dr. Brenda "Doc" Williams Walker

Dr. Brenda "Doc" Williams Walker left this earth and entered Heaven on January 6th, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born in Delhi, La. on February 1st, 1948, she is survived by her beloved daughter Savannah Walker Kill and her husband Sam Kill, Brenda’s grandsons Harrison and Bridger Kill, mother Connie Finkelstein and her longtime partner Luke Orihuela, sister Belinda Joanne (Joa) King and her husband Charles King, nieces Jami DeBernard and Mittie Roger, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph L. Williams, nephew R. Lucas Chaisson, and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Brenda’s love of music began in the third grade with the clarinet. Next came the piano, the guitar, and then just about any instrument she could lay her hands on. By the 8th grade she was playing piano in church and never stopped. She graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1965 and continued to study music in her BA, Masters, and PhD at LSU. Brenda was proud to have been an LSU Golden Girl and a member of Delta Zeta sorority.

Brenda was a teacher extraordinaire, an incredibly gifted choir director, a wonderfully expressive pianist, a singer with perfect pitch, and a vocal coach. She loved sharing her knowledge and love for music and shining a light on the strengths of her students. Her teaching career lasted for over 43 years, but her impact will last far beyond her lifetime. She developed award-winning choirs everywhere she taught, but even more importantly, she was a cherished mentor, truly encouraging her students to become the best versions of themselves.

Brenda’s passion for music gave her the opportunities to create many amazing experiences for her students. She traveled with her choirs, competing and performing across the U.S., as well as in Europe. She was the director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Children’s Choir from 1997-2012 and the Broadmoor United Methodist Youth Choir, and she introduced the first show choir in the Baton Rouge school system, the Denims and Diamonds. The walls of Brenda’s choir room were covered with giant trophies and plaques for the excellence she brought out in her students, although the thing she valued most were her students themselves, many of whom remained in touch with her for years, and many of whom followed in her footsteps.

Brenda was a very devoted mother to her daughter Savannah, bringing her on every choir trip and never missing a single sports or school event in her life. She loved Savannah more than anything.

Most importantly, Brenda was a devout Christian, actively participating in Bible studies and church groups. She lived the way Jesus lived, loving, accepting, and mentoring people from all walks of life.

There will be a celebration of Brenda’s life on Saturday, January 21, beginning with a visitation from 9:30-11:00am at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on Mollylea Dr. in Baton Rouge.

Donations can be made to the Dr. Brenda Williams Walker Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship allows young musicians and students in need to have the opportunity to be part of an outstanding choral experience with the District IV Youth, Middle, and High School Honor Choirs each year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Checks can be made to District IV CDA in care of the Dr. Brenda Williams Walker Memorial Scholarship and mailed to 1547 Tara Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806.