eugene “james” walker
1902-1978
Life Story
Biography
Eugene “James” Walker was born on November 23, 1902, in Newton County, Mississippi, to George Walker (1868–?) and Susan Hill Walker (1872–?). His paternal grandparents were Luke Walker (1843–1912) and Lydia Evans Walker (1855–?), linking him to one of the early families of the Evans Plantation community. His maternal grandparents were Thomas Hill (1845–?) and Delia Hill (1845–?), both born in the years immediately following slavery.
Early Life and Work
Eugene spent his early years as a farm hand on the home farm, learning agricultural work at a young age like many families in rural Newton County. He completed the 2nd grade of elementary school, a common educational level for Black boys working in sharecropping and farming families during the early 1900s.
By 1930, Eugene had married Lillie Mae McDonald (1907–1994) and was documented as a farmer, supporting his growing household through agricultural labor.
In 1950, Eugene and his family were living on Chapman Road, an area populated by many related Walker, McDonald, Evans, and Hill families.
Marriage and Children
Eugene and Lillie Mae were united in holy matrimony on August 26, 1927, and to this union six children were born:
- James Edward Walker (1928–2001)
- Annie Lois Walker (1929–2004)
- Sarah Walker (1930–?)
- Mary Alice Walker (1931–2004)
- Frankie Lee Walker Evans (1935–2020)
- Bertha Mae Walker Bender (1936–2020)
One child preceded him in death, as noted in his obituary.
Community and Family Legacy
Eugene’s obituary reflects a man deeply connected to his family and community. He left to mourn:
- His wife, Lillie Mae Walker
- Sons: James Edward Walker and Odell Walker
- Daughters: Annie Lois Walker, Bertha Mae Bender, Mary Alice Robinson, and Frankie Lee Evans
- Sister: Bertha Lee Wesley of Newton
- Sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law
- Twenty-eight grandchildren, along with great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends
His name appears in local newspaper records, including listings for jury duty—a rare civic responsibility for African American men in the mid-20th century in Mississippi.
Death and Burial
Eugene Walker departed this life on November 21, 1978, at 1 a.m., at his home in Newton. He was 75 years old. His funeral notice reflects the respect he held in both the Walker and Evans-McDonald communities.
He is laid to rest in the St. John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, where many generations of his family are buried.
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
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Lillie Mae Walker Obituary, Wed, Feb 16, 1994 ·Page 11
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Newton Record, Eugene Walker Obituary, Wed, Dec 06, 1978 ·Page 20
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