mary jane rigsby walker
1880-1950
Life Story
Biography
ca. 1880 – July 31, 1950
St. John M.B. Church Graveyard
Early Life
Mary Jane Rigsby was born about 1880 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Allen Rigsby (1857–1941) and Mollie Chapman Rigsby (1863–1933). She grew up within the Rigsby–Chapman kin network, a large and interconnected family rooted in the rural communities surrounding Altare and Newton. She completed the 8th grade of elementary school, an educational achievement uncommon for African American women in her region during that era.
Marriage and Family
On December 26, 1900, Mary Jane married Scott Walker (ca. 1880–?), the son of Luke Walker and Lydia Evans. Together they raised a large family while farming the home place. Their known children were:
- Novella Walker (1903–1968)
- Lillie Walker (1905–1966)
- Clifton Walker (1906–1921)
- Alma Cleo Walker (1907–1969)
- Ever Walker (1910–?)
- Melvin Walker (1914–1978)
- Grover Davis Walker (1916–1973)
- Lula Walker (1918–1962)
- Etta Arlean Walker (1921–2001)
Mary Jane worked as a farm laborer on the home farm, assisting in planting, harvesting, animal care, and food preservation. Her labor, alongside the efforts of her husband and children, helped sustain the Walker household through decades of agricultural life.
Later Years
By 1950, she was listed as keeping house, a reflection of her role as the primary caretaker and organizer of the family home. Her life of steady work and family devotion positioned her as a central figure in both the Walker and Rigsby extended families.
Death and Burial
Mary Jane Rigsby Walker passed away on July 31, 1950, and is laid to rest in the St. John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, where many members of her community and family are also buried.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1880 Federal Census
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Lillie W. Johnson Obituary, Wed, Jun 08, 1966 ·Page 9
- Scott County Times, Melvin Walker Obituary, Wed, Nov 15, 1978 ·Page 3
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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