grover davis walker
1916-1973
Life Story
Biography
December 24, 1916 – December 12, 1973
St. John Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Early Life
Grover Davis Walker was born on December 24, 1916, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Scott Walker (ca. 1880–1952) and Mary Jane Rigsby Walker (ca. 1880–1950). He grew up in the St. John community as part of a large farming family deeply rooted in the Walker–Rigsby–Evans lineage.
By 1940, Grover had completed the 8th grade of elementary school, one of the highest common levels of education for rural African American men of his generation. That same year’s census lists him as an unpaid family worker, contributing to the operation of the home farm where he performed planting, harvesting, and livestock labor.
Marriage and Family
Grover married Beatrice Chapman Walker (1933–2012). Their known children include:
- Grover Walker, Jr. (1948–2016)
- Linda Marie Walker
The family remained connected to the Newton area, and Grover’s descendants continued the long-standing Walker presence within the St. John community.
Military Service
Grover served honorably in the United States Army during World War II, with service from:
January 29, 1941 – June 22, 1945
His military tenure covered nearly the full duration of U.S. involvement in the war, reflecting a period of significant national service and sacrifice.
Later Years and Death
Grover returned to Newton County following the war and remained a resident of the community for the rest of his life. He passed away on December 12, 1973, at the age of 56.
He is laid to rest in the St. John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, a cemetery shared by generations of Walker and Rigsby family members.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Lillie W. Johnson Obituary, Wed, Jun 08, 1966 ·Page 9
- Scott County Times, Melvin Walker Obituary, Wed, Nov 15, 1978 ·Page 3
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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