donza jerry walker
1910-1972
Life Story
Biography
November 17, 1910 – October 15, 1972
Early Life
Donza Jerry Walker was born on November 17, 1910, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Lewis Walker (1884–1963) and Cora Evans Walker (1886–1962). He was raised in the St. John community and educated in the public schools of Newton County.
Education and Occupation
Donza completed approximately the sixth grade of elementary school. Early in life, he worked as a farmer. In addition to farming, he became a skilled carpenter and contractor. He was particularly known for his craftsmanship in building kitchen cabinets, many of which were installed in homes throughout the Newton area.
In 1950, census records indicate he earned approximately $2,000 annually while working about sixteen hours per week, reflecting skilled trade labor combined with agricultural work.
Marriage and Family
In 1939, Donza married Mary Lee Russell (1916–1984). From this union, eleven children were born, two of whom preceded him in death. The surviving children named in records include:
- Dossie L. Walker (1941–1997)
- Lucille Walker (1943–?)
- Quester Walker (1945–?)
- Frances Walker (1947–?)
- Myrtis Walker (1949–?)
- Jerry Lewis Walker (1950–1993)
- Xavier Lonzo Walker (1952–2022)
- Alvis L. Walker
- Marcell Walker
The family resided in Newton County, where Donza balanced family life with work, church leadership, and civic engagement.
Military Service
Donza Jerry Walker honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted on June 15, 1945, and was discharged on October 25, 1945. His service placed him among the many African American men from Newton County who contributed to the war effort during a period of segregation at home and in the armed forces.
Church and Community Life
Donza joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and remained deeply committed throughout his life. He served in various positions within the church and, at the time of his death, was serving as president of the senior choir. His leadership and faith were widely recognized within the congregation.
Civic Engagement and Voter Registration
Donza Jerry Walker demonstrated notable civic courage during the Jim Crow era. His name appears multiple times in published Applicants for Registration to Vote lists in Newton County newspapers. Mississippi law required that the names of Black citizens attempting to register be printed publicly, a practice intended to intimidate and discourage participation. Despite these risks, Donza made repeated efforts to exercise his right to vote, marking him as an active participant in the long struggle for Black political participation in Newton County.
Death and Burial
Donza Jerry Walker died on Sunday, October 15, 1972, at 1:15 p.m. Funeral services were held on October 22, 1972, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Purvis Moore officiating and assistance from other ministers. Community leaders and family members participated in the service.
He was laid to rest in the St. John Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by W. F. Mapps Funeral Home. His cousin, E. J. Whitehead, filed the application for his government headstone.
Historical Context Note
Donza Jerry Walker’s life reflects a powerful intersection of faith, skilled labor, military service, and civic bravery. As a carpenter, church leader, Navy veteran, and voter-registration applicant during an era of racial intimidation, his biography preserves the record of everyday resistance and leadership within the St. John community.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Donza J. Walker Obituary, Wed, Nov 01, 1972 ·Page 19
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2017
- U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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