Rochelle was born in Raton, New Mexico to the late Margie Marquez and Isaac Nellums, on March 8, 1969. At the tender age of four, she and her family moved to Denver, Colorado.
Rochelle graduated from Denver Public Schools in 1987. Her dream was to attend a culinary arts school. She loved cooking, and trying new foods and recipes, which she often exchanged with her mother. Eventually, she pursued her second love, art. Attending Platte College where she took Computer Graphics and Graphic Design. She used those skills in different working positions over her working life.
In 1991, Rochelle gave birth to her son Gary Washington Jr. and in 1993 her second son Brandon Washington was born. A dream she thought would never come true and love she'd never known.
She obeyed the Gospel and was Baptized at Holly Street church of Christ. Later that same year, she moved her membership to Dahlia Street church of Christ, the place she called HOME. (She would later be rebaptized at Dahlia Street)
Arriving at her new congregation, she immediately became involved in the work of the church. She was a Big Sister in the Sister to Sister Program, organizing congregational fellowships, teaching the little ones in Sunday School, and running the card ministry for many years. She also headed our winter coat and blanket drive during the fall seasons. She managed the church calendar and kept us all up to date. Rochelle took over the ordering and clerical work for the congregation's Food Bank. Out of all these, teaching the little ones was her favorite and brought some of the greatest joys and memories of her life.
Rochelle and Bobby Walker were married here at Dahlia St church of Christ on July 3, 2009, to honor her late mother Margie's birthday. A wedding she thought would be sweet, simple, and short was turned into a spectacular occasion by her sister in Christ Ernestine Cobb. She was a beautiful bride.
Rochelle worked for H and E Furniture as a Sales Representative before being wooed away by Dr. Wayne Sargent to work at Montclair Animal Clinic. Her position was Veterinarian Assistant. When Dr. Sargent retired, she continued to work there and added the title of Tech Support to her resume. She used her Computer and Graphic Design skills in many ways, even designing the clinic's new logo for the new owners. She worked there for a total of 11 years until her health declined to the extent that she could no longer work.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband Bobby Walker; sons, Gary (India) Washington Jr. and Brandon Washington (her best friend); grandchildren, Leia, Gary III, and twins, Malcolm and Martin; brother, Donald Marquez; sister, JoAnn Marquez; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Dahlia Street Family. All who's love was a true blessing from God.