lillie mae mcdonald walker
1911-1994
Life Story
Biography
Lillie Mae McDonald Walker was born on April 30, 1911, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Ralph McDonald (1869–?) and Jennie R. Davis McDonald (1879–?). She grew up in a rural farming household where she worked early in life as a farm hand on the home farm, a common experience for children in agricultural communities during the early 20th century. She completed approximately the 3rd grade of elementary school.
Marriage and Family
Lillie Mae married Eugene “James” Walker (1902–1978) on August 26, 1927. Together they built a strong, faith-centered household and raised six children:
- James Edward Walker (1928–2001)
- Annie Loise Walker (1929–2004)
- Sarah Walker (1930–?)
- Mary Alice Walker Robinson (1931–2004)
- Frankie Lee Walker Evans (1935–2020)
- Bertha Mae Walker Bender (1936–2020)
She was also stepmother to Odell Walker of Newton.
Faith and Church Service
Lillie Mae was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Newton, Mississippi, where she worshiped, raised her children, and participated in church life. Her obituary reflects the deep love and respect she earned from her church family.
Later Years and Legacy
She lived a long life firmly rooted in faith, family, and community. Her obituary notes she was survived by:
- Four daughters: Bertha (Sammy) Bender, Mary Alice (Leonard) Robinson, Annie Walker, and Frankie Evans
- One son: James Edward Walker of Detroit, Michigan
- One stepson: Odell Walker of Newton
- Two sisters: Lula Evans and Annie James, both of Newton
- One brother: Chambliss McDonald of Newton
- A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Death and Burial
Lillie Mae Walker passed away on February 7, 1994, at Rush Hospital in Meridian. Funeral services were held on February 12, 1994, at St. John M.B. Church, with Rev. D. L. Wash, Rev. Purvis Moore, and Rev. J. H. Bethune officiating.
She is laid to rest in the St. John M.B. Church graveyard, among generations of her family and community members.
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, 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
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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