Essence Walker-Guajardo

May 17, 1995 ~
June 12, 2026

Essence Renee Walker-Guajardo entered her eternal rest on June 12, 2026, at the age of 31, following a seven-year battle with Lupus Cerebritis.

Essence was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 17, 1995, to parents, LaKesha Walker-Guajardo and Tony Guajardo. Essence was a kind, strong-willed, and confident woman who always made it her mission to be there for others. She carried a generous spirit and a loving heart that touched everyone who knew her. In pursuit of her passion for baking, Essence completed a Culinary Arts program through the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2019. She was an aspiring pastry chef, finding joy in creating sweet treats for family, friends and loved ones.

Essence will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of Essence’s life will be held at noon on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Visitation
Thursday, June 25
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Celebration of Life Service
Friday, June 26
12:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 19, 2026 4:12pm
Our sweet Essence, you will be missed. 🪻To the family, our sincere condolences. There will be an empty space in our hearts. We loved her so much. Praying for strength and peace and comfort for her family. Remember the sweet memories that were made. All we have left is memories. God took a beautiful flower. 🪻❤️

- Barbara Maeweather

June 19, 2026 12:09pm
I am so sorry to the family and you are all in my prayers. I knew Essence in middle school and high school, she was such a sweet soul and had a smile that would light up the room. My condolences to you all.

- Lyndsay Larkin

June 18, 2026 9:38pm
Essence you will truly be missed. I know your time here was cut short but I understand god needed you more than we did. No more pain and no more suffering. You are with your family in heaven having a good time.

- Jowana Brew

June 18, 2026 9:27pm
Essence you were a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone you met. Though your time here feels far too short the love and kindness you share will live on in our hearts forever. Heaven gained a graceful angel far too soon. ❤️❤️

- Lakisha Freeman

June 18, 2026 8:20pm
Into paradise may the angels lead you. Essence your work down here is done, take your rest. See you when I get there. ❤️💔

- Tawana Brew




Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

$100 + $15 Delivery Fee

Thinking of You Basket

$40 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Garden

$78 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Easel Spray

$150 + $15 Delivery Fee

Sincere Sympathy Garden

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

$30 + $15 Delivery Fee

Remembrance Easel Spray

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Natures Glory

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Loving Embrace

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Gerbera Greetings

$50 + $15 Delivery Fee

Colorful Memories Wreath

$315 + $15 Delivery Fee

Classic Sympathy

$65 + $15 Delivery Fee

Blooming Duo

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Bells of Beauty

$130 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Memories

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

$240 + $15 Delivery Fee

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.