margaret ann walker
1950-1973
Life Story
Biography
Birth: June 15, 1950
Death: February 25, 1973 (age 22)
Burial: St. John M.B. Church Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi
Early Life
Margaret Ann Walker was born on June 15, 1950, to George Willis Walker (1924–2015) and Luberda Burks Walker (1928–2010). The granddaughter of Robert Walker and Cordelia Donald Walker and Homer and Rosie Burks. She grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, in a loving and supportive household that emphasized education, character, and achievement.
Education
Margaret pursued academic excellence from an early age. She graduated from North Gulfport High School before attending Mississippi Valley State College, where she earned her degree in 1971. She distinguished herself by graduating in the top ten of her class, reflecting her strong intellect and disciplined work ethic.
During her college years, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, aligning herself with generations of African American women dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service.
Career
After graduation, Margaret relocated to Pennsylvania, where she became a resident for approximately four months prior to her passing. She secured employment with the U.S. Navy Fleet Material Support Office in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, serving as a management analyst—a notable accomplishment for a young Black woman entering the federal workforce during the early 1970s.
Death and Funeral Services
Margaret passed away at the age of 22 on February 25, 1973, on a Sunday morning at Harrisburg General Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Her body was flown to Gulfport by Southern Airlines, and wake services were held at Lockett’s Mortuary. Funeral services followed at Shiloh Baptist Church in North Gulfport, with Rev. Reuben P. McGee officiating.
Afterward, her body was taken to St. John Baptist Church in Newton, Mississippi, where she lay in state for one hour before burial. Margaret was laid to rest in the St. John Cemetery, joining her extended family. Her headstone is inscribed, “One of God’s Angels.”
Family
Margaret is survived by:
- Her parents:
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Walker - Her brothers:
Larry Walker
Robert Walker
Jerome Walker of Itta Bena, Mississippi - Her sister:
Mrs. Maggie Mingo, residing in Berlin, Germany - Her maternal grandmother:
Mrs. Rosa M. Burks of San Diego, California
Her untimely death cut short a life marked by academic distinction, sorority sisterhood, professional promise, and family devotion.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Sun Herald, Miss Margaret Walker Obituary, Fri, Mar 02, 1973 ·Page 2
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