idell walker
1908-1977
Life Story
Biography
April 8, 1908 – January 15, 1977
Early Life and Parentage
Idell Walker was born on April 8, 1908, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Charlie Walker (1870–1928) and Mary Della Currie Walker (1873–?). He was raised in a rural farming environment where agricultural labor shaped daily life from an early age.
Education
Idell completed the 3rd grade of elementary school, a level of education typical for many African Americans in rural Newton County during the early twentieth century.
Occupation
In his early years, Idell worked as a farm hand on the home farm, contributing to family support through agricultural labor. By 1950, he was employed by the Masonite Company, where he worked culling pulpwood, reflecting the shift many rural workers made from farming into the timber and wood-products industry during the mid-twentieth century.
Marriage and Family
Idell married Mattie Hill (c. 1911–1989). Together they raised a large family. According to published records, eight children were born to this union, two of whom preceded him in death. Their children included:
- Willie M. Walker (1928–2001)
- Idell Walker, Jr. (1928–?)
- Leila Mae Walker (1929–?)
- Ardelle Walker (1930–?)
- Bonnie Mae Walker (1932–?)
- Christine Walker (1936–?)
- Elnora Walker (1933–2012)
- Mildred R. Walker (1941–2018)
- James Earl Walker (1944–?)
(Note: Contemporary obituary accounts report eight children; census records document additional children born.)
Church Membership
Idell Walker was a member of St. John Baptist Church, reflecting the church’s central role in his family’s spiritual and community life.
Death and Burial
Idell Walker passed away on January 15, 1977, at Newton Hospital. Funeral services were held at St. John Church, with Rev. Purvis Moore officiating. He was laid to rest in the graveyard of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.
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, Idell Walker Obituary, Wed, Feb 02, 1977 ·Page 16
- 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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