Superintendent Dr. A. Carven S. Walker went home to be with the Lord after an extended illness on December 10, 2018.  He was born in Akron, Ohio and he was the younger of two children born to Louis and Vera Walker.  He accepted the Lord at a very early age and was given the nickname “preacher” because he was known to preach his way out of fights.  He attended Howe Elementary, West Junior High, and South Senior High, where he was voted class president of his graduating senior class. He also attended the University of Akron, Malone College, and Moody Bible College.

Carven served in the U.S. Army as a specialist medic.  He was stationed in San Antonio, TX, Fort Dix, NJ, and Wartime, Germany during the Vietnam War.

In June of 1971, A. Carven Walker was introduced to Paulette Williams. After a very short courtship, they were united in holy matrimony on December 18, 1971.  From this union came two children, Arthur Carven II, and Marlon Christopher.  Their family has increased to include their two daughters-in-law, Stephanie (Art) and Kembre (Marlon); grandchildren, Kierra, Arthur Julian, Madison, and Marlon II.

Carven accepted the call to preach in 1972. He received his ministerial license in 1976, by the late Bishop C. A. Ashworth.  He was ordained an Elder in July of 1982, by the late Bishop R.S. Fields.  “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity” (Psalm 133:1).  These were the words given to Elder Walker as the building blocks from which Unity was started.

In October of 1985, at his Roslyn Avenue home, Elder Arthur C. Walker became Pastor of Unity Church of God in Christ with three members: his wife and two sons.  From this humble beginning, the membership has grown both in size and purpose.  Unity now boasts a membership of over 300 congregants and continues to expand its outreach programs throughout the community.

In February of 2004, Pastor Walker was appointed Superintendent of the Akron District, a position previously held by his father, the late Louis C. Walker.

Superintendent Walker was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Ministry by the Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Bible College in March of 2017.

Supt. Dr. Walker was the first black branch manager at First National Bank.  He was employed by FirstMerit, formerly known as First National Bank for twenty-seven years. He retired on November 1, 1994, to devote his time and energy in the service of Kingdom building.

Supt. Dr. Walker was preceded in death by his parents.

Supt. Dr. Walker will be greatly missed by the love of his life, his wife, Paulette Williams Walker; sons, Deacon Arthur (Stephanie) Walker II, Pastor Marlon (Dr. Kembre) Walker; grandchildren, Kierra, Arthur J., Madison, and Marlon II; sisters, Semuel (Elder Kenneth) Hilliard, Malinda Rogers, and Jacqueline Owens; brother, Deacon Gerald Hilton; church family, Unity Holiness Ministries; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.