emma walker dease
1897-1959
Life Story
Emma Walker Dease was born in April 1897 in Newton County, Mississippi, to John Wesley Walker (1870–?) and Fannie Moore Walker (1874–?). She was born into a family rooted in the rural agricultural life of the county during the post-Reconstruction era.
Early Life & Occupation
In early life, Emma worked as a farm laborer on the home farm, contributing to the labor that sustained Black families in Newton County during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Church Membership & Faith Life
Faith was central to Emma’s life. In early adulthood, she joined Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, the church community where she spent most of her life and maintained deep spiritual ties.
In later years, she became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, where she was described as very active and faithful. Her obituary emphasized that both the church and the wider community regarded her as a devoted Christian woman and a dependable worker in religious life.
Marriage & Civic Involvement
Emma married Charlie Dease, and the couple lived together in Newton until her death. She was also a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 236, where she remained very active, reflecting her commitment to civic service in addition to her church work.
Death & Burial
Emma Walker Dease passed away on May 17, 1959, following a brief illness. Funeral services were held on May 23, 1959, at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.
The service was officiated by Rev. L. D. Chapman, pastor, and assisted by Rev. Wheeler. E. L. Hill and Lela D. Evans spoke in remembrance of her Christian life. Music was rendered by the senior choir, with Maude Denham serving as pianist. Burial was made in the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church cemetery, with Mapp’s Funeral Home of Forest directing arrangements.
She is laid to rest at Saint John M.B. Church Graveyard.
Surviving Family
Emma was survived by her husband, Charlie Dease of Newton;
a daughter, Bernetta Dukes of Jackson;
a son, Porter Pruitt of Chicago, Illinois;
two brothers, Elbert Walker of Newton and Thomas Jefferson Walker of St. Louis, Missouri;
and five sisters—Lela Evans of Chicago, Illinois; Dina B. Williams and Dessie Ree of St. Louis, Missouri; Florence of Alaska; and Beatrice of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Emma Walker Dease Obituary, Thu, Jun 11, 1959 ·Page 8
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