mary eliza walker
1913-1999
Life Story
A Faithful Life Rooted in Altare: The Legacy of Mary Eliza Walker
Early Life and Family Roots
Mary Eliza Walker was born in the Altare community of Newton County, Mississippi, to Pleas Walker (1885–?) and Ida Cotton (1893–?). Raised in a household grounded in hard work, faith, and the strength of kinship, Mary was part of a family whose history was deeply interwoven with the story of Altare—a community built on resilience and unity in the face of social and economic challenges.
Her early life reflected the enduring spirit of her family, where the church and community were central to daily living. The Walkers and Cottons were among the early generations who laid the foundation for Black farming families and religious fellowship in post-Reconstruction Newton County.
Marriage and Family Life
Around 1928, Mary married Hardy E. Salter (1903–1997). Together, they made their home in Jasper County, Mississippi, where they raised their family and worked to provide stability and opportunity for their children. From this union were born two children:
- Leonard Salter (1929–1997)
- Ida Ruth Salter (1931–2015)
Mary later married Marshall Grass (1901–1965), with whom she had a son, Robert Grass, Sr. (1940–1965).
In addition to her children from these unions, Mary also lovingly raised:
- Waynoa Walker (1938–?)
- William Walker (1941–?)
- Martha Walker (1946–2015)
Throughout her life, Mary’s strength as a mother and matriarch was evident. Her home was a place of warmth, faith, and support for both family and friends. She dedicated her life to nurturing her children and grandchildren, ensuring that each generation carried forward the values of faith, perseverance, and love.
Faith and Community
Mary was a devoted member of Altare Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained faithful throughout her life. Her spiritual commitment mirrored the long tradition of her family’s involvement in Altare’s church community—a cornerstone of social and religious life for generations of Walkers and their descendants.
Her faith provided her strength through times of loss and challenge, and she found great joy in worship, fellowship, and service to others. To her family and community, she was known as a woman of grace, compassion, and steady faith.
Later Years and Passing
In her later years, Mary resided in Newton, where she continued to be a beloved figure among family and friends. Her kindness, wisdom, and quiet dignity earned her the respect of all who knew her.
On Friday, August 20, 1999, Mary Eliza Walker passed away at Newton Regional Hospital, at the age of 87. Her funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 25, 1999, at Altare Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Clarence Arrington officiating. She was laid to rest in the Altare Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, returning to the sacred ground that had shaped her life and family legacy.
At the time of her passing, she was survived by two daughters, Ida Ruth Stephens of Louisville, Kentucky, and Martha Windham of Newton; one son, Robert Grass of Newton; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Two of her children, Waynoa Bullock and Leonard Salter, preceded her in death.
Legacy
The life of Mary Eliza Walker stands as a reflection of the enduring values of the Altare community—faith, family, and fortitude. Across nearly nine decades, she witnessed a century of transformation in Newton County, yet remained steadfast in her devotion to her family and her church.
Her descendants carry forward her strength, wisdom, and love, ensuring that her name continues to be remembered among the generations of the Walker and Salter families who built their lives upon the foundation she helped sustain.
Sidebar: Women of Strength in the Altare Legacy
Women like Mary Eliza Walker were the spiritual pillars of their families and communities. Through faith and perseverance, they bridged generations—teaching their children resilience through labor and love, and maintaining the bonds of kinship that defined Altare life.
Her journey, from a young girl in rural Newton County to a matriarch whose lineage now spans multiple states, embodies the story of African American womanhood in Mississippi: steadfast, nurturing, and enduring.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Wed, Aug 07, 1991 ·Page 13
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Scott County Times, Ms. Mary Eliza Walker Obituary, Wed, Sep 01, 1999 ·Page 6
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- Photo was shared by Will Stephens on Ancestry.com
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