Cassaundra Joyce Ervin Walker, affectionally known as "Bootsy", was born on May 31, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to her mother Ruth Ervin Mapp and her father Leroy Bickerstaff. At the tender age of 2 years old she was lovingly parented for by Deacon Willie and Hattie Bell Strayhorn. They instilled in her a strong spiritual family value system. She joined the body of Christ at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church around the young age of 11.

Cassaundra grew up in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. She graduated from Lincoln Heights High School in 1965. She was an active cheerleader and voted the Best Dressed Senior by her classmates. Her favorite hobby as a teenager was roller skating. She was nicknamed "Skating Rink Bootsy" by her fellow classmates during her high school years.

Cassaundra often opened initial conversations with strangers by asking, "Do you know any Strayhorns?" She was very proud of her Strayhorn family tree. Cassaundra was employed for over 20+ years at Proctor and Gamble. She was the first female to perform a technical position, as a Greasy Oil Technical Operator at The Crisco Oil Plant. Once a month, she would climb the tanks and check the temperature of the Crisco Oil.

Cassaundra severed on as an Adult Usher during the mid 1970's, holding the office of Usher Secretary. She also served on the Board of Directors for 'Operation Push" under the leadership of B.W. Smith at  Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1982 Cassaundra was married to Johnny Walker. They were united until his death in 2002. In 2011 Cassaundra's health began to fail, despite this, her love for Christ, life, and to be with family never wavered. She was a very family-oriented woman. Her immediate family will remember her as being caring, patient, loving, sweet, kindhearted, selfless, and generous. Furthermore, in 2017 Cassaundra was able to be an honorary member of the Andrew Ministry at LHMBC. During her later years, Cassaundra would often state that her biggest goal in life was to make it through the 'Pearly Gates'. Her daughter was there to reassure her of the Plan of Salvation [Romans 10:9-10] If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. True repentance pleases God.

Cassaundra was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie and Willie Strayhorn; stepmother, Rebecca Strayhorn; natural parents, Ruth Mapp and Leroy Bickerstaff; husband, Johnny Walker; sisters, Ella  Mae Ruthledge, Juanita Green, Lillian Gover, and Jill Mapp; sister-in-Law, Barbara Strayhorn; her brothers, Fletcher Strayhorn, Tony Mapp, and Timothy Mapp; nieces, Kitchey Strayhorn, Leslie Kay Robinson, and Geneva Strayhorn; and nephew, Michael Green.

Cassaundra is survived by: her daughter Juana Ervin (Rodney Dawson); grandchildren Precious Gibbs (Earl Williams IV), Kevin Gibbs Jr., and Malik Ervin; her great grandchildren Amora Williams, Earl Williams V., and Jada Williams; her brother, Charles Strayhorn; sister, Micki Mapp; her sister-in-law, Rosa Strayhorn; special nieces, Wanda Rutledge and Renai Moore; a natural brother and sister; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is from 11:00 am until noon, on  Friday, November 15, 2019, at the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, 9991 Wayne Ave, Woodlawn  (45215).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 noon.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246.

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Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is serving the  Walker family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.