cherrie wash walker
1903-1991
Life Story
Biography
April 24, 1903 – May 2, 1991
Early Life
Cherrie Wash was born on April 24, 1903, to Mollie Dunken (1882–?). Her father is not identified in surviving records. She was raised in Newton County, Mississippi.
Marriage and Family
She married William Walker (1882–1948). From this union, the following children are known:
- Willie Grace Walker Chapman (1927–2000)
- Ludie Mae Walker Watts (1928–2014)
- Carnelia Walker (1929–?)
- Geraldine Walker (1930–?)
- Mollie Mae Walker (1931–2002)
- James Walker (1932–?)
- Wilbert Walker (1932–?)
- George Frank Walker (1933–2000)
- Mamie Walker (1934–?)
- Wilford Walker (1937–2022)
- Marvin Walker (1938–?)
- Loraine Charles
Education and Occupation
Cherrie completed the sixth grade of elementary school. Throughout her life, she worked as a farm helper, contributing to the labor and economic stability of her household.
Church and Community Life
She was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she was actively involved in the Women’s Missionary Society. Newspaper reports document that Circle meetings were frequently held in her home, reflecting her leadership, hospitality, and standing within the congregation.
In December 1950, she attended the Newton food handlers’ school conducted under the supervision of the Mississippi State Department of Education. She successfully earned a certificate, demonstrating participation in public health and vocational programs available to African Americans during segregation.
Family and Social Life
A newspaper announcement records a surprise birthday celebration given in her honor by her daughters. Family members traveled from Indiana, California, and Mississippi to attend, reflecting the close bonds maintained across generations and distance.
Land and Financial Records
Cherrie Walker appears in Newton County land records alongside her husband. In 1930, they executed a deed of trust on farmland located in Section 5, Township 5, Range 11 East. A trustee’s sale notice published in 1935 documents the financial pressures faced by Black farming families during the Great Depression and situates the Walker family within the broader history of land ownership and loss in Newton County.
Death and Burial
Mrs. Walker passed away on May 2, 1991, at Laird Hospital at the age of 89. Funeral services were held on May 8, 1991, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Purvis Moore officiating. Interment was at St. John Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Holifield Funeral Home of Forest, Mississippi.
Survivors
She was survived by one brother, Greenbro Wash of Stamford, Connecticut; one sister, Julia Gipson of Newton; six daughters; two sons; forty-eight grandchildren; seventy-nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
- The Newton Record, Wed, Mar 31, 1976 ·Page 20
- Scott County Times, Cherrie Walker Obituary, Wed, May 15, 1991 ·Page 8
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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