# Cheryl Crabtree Walker: The Matriarch Behind a Hollywood Star

Cheryl Crabtree Walker is more than just the mother of the late, beloved actor Paul Walker; she is a former fashion model, a devoted matriarch, and the quiet pillar of strength for a family thrust into the international spotlight by fame and tragedy. While her son captured the hearts of millions on screen, Cheryl provided the grounding force and unwavering support that shaped him, a role she has continued with grace and resilience in the years following his untimely death. Her story is one of a private life intersecting with public grief, defined by a deep love for her family and a commitment to preserving her son's enduring legacy.

 ### Early Life and Career as a Fashion Model

Before she was known as the mother of a Hollywood star, Cheryl Ann Crabtree was building a career of her own. Born and raised in California, she entered the world of fashion in the 1960s, a vibrant era of cultural and stylistic change. As a fashion model, she possessed a natural elegance and poise, qualities that would later be seen in her famous son. Her work in the industry provided her with a unique perspective on the world of entertainment and public image, an understanding that would prove invaluable as she guided her children through their own ventures.

Her experience in front of the camera undoubtedly played a role in the Walker family’s early exposure to the entertainment business. It was Cheryl who first saw the potential in her eldest son, Paul, leading him to his first auditions as a toddler. This early start, nurtured by his mother's industry know-how, laid the foundation for a career that would span decades and make him a global icon.

### Marriage and a Growing Family

Cheryl Crabtree married Paul William Walker III, a man with a diverse background as a sewer contractor and a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion. Together, they built a life centered on family and faith. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they raised their five children in a close-knit, supportive environment in the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles. Their family values emphasized humility, hard work, and the importance of staying connected to one's roots.

The Walker household was a bustling one, filled with love and activity. Cheryl and Paul III raised five children who remained exceptionally close into adulthood:

• Paul William Walker IV (1973–2013)
• Caleb Michael Walker (born 1977)
• Cody Beau Walker (born 1988)
• Ashlie Jay Walker (born 1976)
• Amie Kaz Walker (born 1980)

This strong familial bond, fostered by Cheryl and Paul III, became a recurring theme in Paul Walker’s life. He often spoke about how his family kept him grounded amidst the pressures of Hollywood, a testament to the foundation his parents had built.

### A Mother's Influence on a Rising Star

Cheryl Walker was the driving force behind her son’s entry into acting. Recognizing his photogenic nature, she began taking him to commercial auditions when he was just two years old. His very first role was in a now-famous commercial for Pampers, a gig that marked the beginning of a long and successful career. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Cheryl managed his burgeoning career, helping him land roles in shows like Highway to Heaven and Who's the Boss?.

Even as Paul’s fame skyrocketed with the success of the Fast & Furious franchise, Cheryl remained his confidante and a source of normalcy. She saw him not as the action hero Brian O'Conner, but simply as her son. In the 2018 documentary I Am Paul Walker, she shared intimate memories that painted a picture of a man who, despite his fame, never lost his connection to family. She recalled his love for the ocean, his adventurous spirit, and his deep generosity—qualities she and her husband instilled in him from a young age.

### The Unthinkable Tragedy and Its Aftermath

November 30, 2013, is a day that forever changed the Walker family. In a heartbreaking interview for the documentary, Cheryl recounted her last conversation with Paul, which took place just hours before the fatal car crash. He was at her home with his daughter, Meadow, discussing plans for the Christmas holiday.

“We were having this good conversation, and he’d forgotten about an event he had,” she recalled. “He got a text and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m supposed to be somewhere!’” That event was a charity car show for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide. He left her house in high spirits, never to return. The news of the accident that claimed his life, and that of his friend Roger Rodas, sent shockwaves across the globe, but the epicenter of the grief was within the Walker family.

In the wake of the tragedy, Cheryl faced not only her personal sorrow but also the complexities of her son's estate and the well-being of her granddaughter, Meadow Rain Walker. In 2014, she filed a petition for guardianship of Meadow, who was then 15, citing concerns over her mother's ability to care for her. However, the petition was later withdrawn, and the family reached a private agreement, allowing Meadow to live with her mother, Rebecca Soteros. The situation highlighted the family's desire to protect Paul's only child while navigating an immense and public loss.

### Preserving a Legacy: Life After Paul

In the years since her son's passing, Cheryl Crabtree Walker has dedicated herself to preserving his memory and legacy. She has chosen to step into the public eye on select occasions, not for personal recognition, but to share the story of the real Paul Walker—the devoted father, loving son, and compassionate humanitarian.

Her participation in I Am Paul Walker was a significant step, as she provided personal photos, home videos, and heartfelt anecdotes that offered fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the movie star persona. She, along with her sons Cody Walker and Caleb Walker, also played a crucial role in the completion of Furious 7. Cody and Caleb served as stand-ins for their late brother, allowing the film to give his character a poignant and respectful send-off that honored his memory.

Today, Cheryl continues to be the matriarch of the Walker clan, finding joy in her role as a grandmother. She supports the work of the Paul Walker Foundation, an organization founded by Meadow to continue her father's passion for marine biology and helping others. While she leads a largely private life, her strength and dedication serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond of family. Cheryl Crabtree Walker's journey is a testament to a mother's unending love, a quiet force that shaped a beloved star and now works tirelessly to ensure his light never fades.