mary lee russell walker
1916-1984
Life Story
Biography
September 23, 1916 – July 15, 1984
Early Life and Family
Mary Lee Russell was born on September 23, 1916, to Escella Clifton Russell (1895–1979) and Lula Wilder Russell (1897–1938) in Newton County, Mississippi. Her mother passed away when Mary Lee was twenty-two years old. Her father later remarried Mattie Lou Drummond (1901-1956), whom Mary Lee regarded as her stepmother.
From an early age, Mary Lee was required to assist with farm work, reflecting the responsibilities placed on children in rural households.
Education
Mary Lee completed the 7th grade of elementary school, a level of education common for African American women of her generation whose schooling was often shaped by labor demands and limited access to extended formal education.
Marriage and Family
She married Donza Jerry Walker (1913–1972). Together they raised a large family and built a household grounded in faith, work, and civic responsibility.
According to her obituary, Mary Lee Walker was the mother of nine children, listed as follows:
Daughters
- Dossie Walker Page (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Quester Walker Adams (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Lucille Walker Jones (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Francis Walker Bridges (California)
- Myrtis Walker Johnson (California)
Sons
- Jerry Lewis Walker (Newton, Mississippi)
- Xavier Walker (Newton, Mississippi)
- Marcel Walker (Newton, Mississippi)
- Alvis L. Walker (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Her obituary further notes that she was survived by 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, underscoring the breadth of her family legacy.
Occupation
In 1950, Mary Lee’s role was listed as keeping house, a designation that encompassed domestic labor, childrearing, food preparation, and the management of an active household.
Church Membership and Religious Service
Mary Lee Walker was a devoted member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully in multiple church organizations, including the Missionary Society, Usher Board, and Senior Choir, reflecting her long-standing commitment to church life.
Civic Life and Community Leadership
Mary Lee Walker was deeply involved in women’s civic and service organizations in Newton County. Newspaper records document her participation and leadership in:
- The St. John Homemaker Club, where she served as hostess, devotional leader, program participant, and quilting demonstrator
- The Newton County Extension Homemakers Council, attending countywide meetings and educational programs
- Bright Light Chapter No. 74, Order of the Eastern Star, where she served faithfully and attended district meetings
- The American Legion Auxiliary, participating in regional conferences
These activities illustrate her role as a cultural bearer, organizer, and leader among women at St. John.
Civil Rights and Voter Registration
During the 1960s, Mary Lee Walker stood alongside her husband, Donza Jerry Walker, who served as president of the local NAACP, in efforts to register African Americans to vote. Her name appears on several official Newton County voter registration lists published in accordance with Mississippi law, confirming her direct participation in local civil rights efforts.
Death and Burial
Mary Lee Russell Walker passed away on July 15, 1984, at the age of sixty-seven. Funeral services were held at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Purvis Moore officiating. She was laid to rest in the St. John Church Cemetery, near her husband.
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
- The Newton Record, Mary Lee Walker Obituary, Wed, Aug 01, 1984 ·Page 7
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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