alma cleo walker wesley
1907-1969
Life Story
Early Life and Parentage
Alma Cleo Walker Wesley was born on November 27, 1907, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Scott Walker (1880–1952) and Mary Jane Rigsby Walker (1880–1950). She was raised within a large, interconnected family network rooted in farming, faith, and community life.
Education and Early Work
In her youth, Alma worked as a farm hand on the home farm, contributing to the labor required to sustain her family. She completed the 4th grade of elementary school, which was consistent with educational access for many African American children in rural Newton County during the early 20th century.
Marriage and Family
Alma married Van Wesley (1904–1964), and together they established a household grounded in agricultural labor and church life. Their children, as confirmed through both census records and the family acknowledgment published following her death, include:
- Mrs. Ardellia Williams
- Mrs. Louella Harris
- Mrs. Myrtle Bell Roberts
- Mrs. Elizabeth Buckley
- Mrs. Etta Mae Mann
- Mr. Van Wesley, Jr. (1935–1989)
- Mr. George Allen Wesley (1939–1992)
- Mr. Calvin Davis Wesley (1944–?)
- Master David Lee Wesley
This listing reflects the children as they were identified in the family notice, including married surnames and generational naming conventions.
Adult Life
By 1950, Alma’s occupation was listed as keeping house, reflecting her role in maintaining the household while supporting her husband’s lifelong work as a farmer. Her life exemplified the domestic and agricultural balance carried by many women of the Saint John community.
Family Connections
Alma maintained close ties to her extended family. She was survived by:
- Her sister: Mrs. Arlean Stoudley
- Her brothers: Mr. Melvin Walker and Mr. Grover Walker
- Numerous grandchildren
These connections underscore the strong kinship networks that defined the Walker, Rigsby, and Wesley families.
Death and Burial
Alma Cleo Walker Wesley passed away on April 19, 1969, following a sudden death, as noted in the family’s public expression of thanks. She is laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard, alongside her husband and other family members.
Sidebar: Community and Care
The family’s published acknowledgment following Alma’s death reflects the collective care present within the Saint John and Newton County communities. Special thanks were extended to ministers, physicians, and the nursing staff of Newton County Hospital, highlighting the role of local institutions and communal support during times of loss.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- Scott County Times, Wed, Apr 30, 1969 ·Page 8
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