cordelia donald walker
1896-1966
Life Story
Biography
Cordelia “Delia” Donald Walker was born on March 27, 1896, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Lewis Willis Donald (1847–1919) and Nora Johnson Donald (1875–?). She descended from one of the earliest and most influential African American families in Newton County. Her paternal grandparents were Abraham Donald (1815–?), recognized as the first Black minister to preach in Newton County, and Milly Donald (1825–?), both foundational figures in the post–Civil War Black religious community.
Early Life and Education
Cordelia spent her childhood working as a farm laborer on the home farm, a typical responsibility for rural families of her era. She completed the 7th grade of elementary school, which was a relatively high level of education for African American girls in early 20th-century Mississippi.
Marriage and Family
Cordelia married Robert “Rob” Walker (1893–1966), and together they raised a large family of twelve children, two of whom preceded them in death. Their children were:
- Roosevelt Walker (1917–2006)
- Annette Walker Tripplett (1920–1989)
- Druecile Walker McComb (1921–1968)
- C.W. Walker (1923–1923)
- George Willis Walker (1924–2015)
- Jeraline Walker (1926–1928)
- Audrie/Audria Walker Yates (1928–1994)
- Annie L. Walker (1930–2004)
- Dudley Walker (1932–1975)
- Cordelia Walker (1934–?)
- Yvonne Walker Jones (1935–?)
- Agnes Mae Walker Wesley (1938–2005)
By 1950, Cordelia was listed as keeping house, reflecting her central role in maintaining the household and caring for her large family.
Faith and Church Service
Cordelia joined St. John Baptist Church early in life and remained a dedicated member until her passing. According to her obituary, she served in numerous church departments, including:
- Sunday School teacher
- Senior Choir member
- Home Mission Society member
- Usher, serving faithfully as her health allowed
Her church community remembered her as a devoted Christian worker whose contributions strengthened both the congregation and the wider St. John community.
Death and Burial
Cordelia passed away on March 22, 1966, just a few months after the death of her husband, Robert Walker. Funeral services were held at St. John Baptist Church on Saturday, March 26, 1966, with Rev. J. F. Moore officiating, joined by several ministers.
She was laid to rest in the St. John Church cemetery, surrounded by many generations of the Donald, Walker, Evans, and Hill families. Her grave was covered with beautiful flowers, reflecting the love and respect of her community.
Cordelia was survived by:
- 10 children
- 42 grandchildren
- 11 great-grandchildren
- Sisters: Laura Donald Williams, Bessie D. Drummond, and Ruth Howell Bey
- Several other relatives and friends
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
1896-1966
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Cordelia Walker Obituary, Wed, Apr 06, 1966 ·Page 11
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- The Newton Record, Robert Walker Obituary, Wed, Feb 09, 1966 ·Page 10
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