Life Reflections 

DeVance Walker, Jr., a husband, loving father, proud grandfather of seven, community activist, civil servant and the best of friends passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. 

DeVance was born on January 22, 1947, to the late Bessie Brown Walker and DeVance Walker, Sr., in Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from Armstrong High School, DeVance enlisted in the United States Air Force and honorably served until his discharge on August 23, 1968. Reaching the rank of Sargent, DeVance served as military police at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. While in California, DeVance attended Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria where he studied political science. DeVance continued his education at Howard University earning a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate Degree.

DeVance was a life-long learner and teacher, who would often tell you he was working on school work. DeVance was a dedicated civil servant, initially serving the residents of Montgomery County through his work in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Office of Human Resources. With MCPS, DeVance worked to recruit and hire minority teachers and administrators after schools were integrated.

DeVance continued his civil service work as an employee for the Montgomery County Government where he worked for over forty years to assist business owners in establishing their businesses in Montgomery County, including pioneering a small business mentorship program that he was extremely proud of and continues to this day. DeVance became the Chief of the Division of Small and Minority Business Empowerment and throughout his career he worked tirelessly to advance economic development in Montgomery County, expand access to opportunity for minority business owners, and helped countless entrepreneurs grow and thrive. DeVance also served as the first minority liaison to the Montgomery County Executive. 

DeVance was a community activist throughout his life, and his enduring commitment to civil rights and community advancement was recognized through his induction into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame on November 29, 2018. DeVance’s commitment to the community is evident in the numerous people he devoted his time and energy to help. From the County Executive, to his children and family, to his neighbors, to his students, DeVance was a listener, advocate, confidant, mentor, drinking buddy, and good human being.

DeVance was a teacher, he loved to teach and he loved his students. He worked as a professor at Coppin State University, University of Baltimore and Howard University where he taught political science, program evaluation, and any other course that he was interested in. 

DeVance worked hard and he liked to party. He routinely organized community events, he was a regular at the Bethesda Blues Club and Society Lounge, and he was an avid DC Swing and Hand Dancer. DeVance loved music, and his favorite musicians included Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and Frankie Beverly and Maze. DeVance loved softball, cycling, and staying active including spending time with his friends, family and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Brothers. You could find him at the Park Ritchie barbershop, the People’s Community Baptist Church, Cava in Olney, Olney Grille, Sandy Point Beach, and anywhere he thought would be a good time with good people. 

DeVance is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jamila Walker, his son Reverend Jelani D. Walker, and his son Khalid DeVance Walker, Esq. as well as his seven grandchildren, Jordan, Jada, Jackson, Otto, Greta, Warren and Norah as well as his former wife, Pamela Walker and a host of extended family members. His family, friends, colleagues and students brought him tremendous happiness and purpose, and he touched their lives in meaningful and lasting ways.  

DeVance was preceded in death by Bessie Brown Walker and DeVance Walker, Sr. and his beloved aunts, Sarah and Margaret. 

DeVance will be remembered for his love, friendship, public service and community activism. DeVance was kind, spirited and funny. Always up for a good joke, DeVance’s remarkable personality will be remembered forever. He will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.