robert (rob) walker
1893-1966
Life Story
Biography
Robert “Rob” Walker was born on November 26, 1893, in Newton County, Mississippi, to George Walker (1868–?) and Susan Hill Walker (1872–?). Through his lineage, Robert was connected to two of the earliest African American family lines in the St. John and Evans communities. His paternal grandparents were Luke Walker (1843–1912) and Lydia Evans Walker (1855–?), and his maternal grandparents were Thomas Hill (1845–?) and Delia Hill (1845–?).
Early Life and Work
Robert grew up working on the family farm and remained a farm laborer throughout his life. He completed the 4th grade of elementary school, which was a common level of education for many Black children living in rural Mississippi during the early 20th century.
Marriage and Family
Robert married Cordelia Donald Walker (1896–1966), and together they raised a large family of twelve children, two of whom died in infancy or childhood. Their children were:
- Roosevelt Walker (1917–2006)
- Annette Walker (1920–1989)
- Druecile Walker McComb (1921–1968)
- C.W. Walker (1923–1923)
- George Willis Walker (1924–2015)
- Jeraline Walker (1926–1928)
- Audrey Walker Yates (1928–1994)
- Annie L. Walker (1930–2004)
- Dudley Walker (1932–1975)
- Cardilla (Delia) Walker (1934–?)
- Yvonne Walker Jones (1935–?)
- Agnes Mae Walker Wesley (1938–2005)
His obituary describes him as a devoted husband and father who “helped to raise a fine family of useful children,” and as an honest working man, kind, peaceful, and dependable.
Church and Community Service
Robert united with St. John Missionary Baptist Church early in life and remained a faithful member until death. He served as a Sunday School teacher for the Catechism Class for more than 30 years, earning the respect and affection of the entire church community.
His obituary notes that both the church and community “lost a devoted Christian worker” upon his passing.
Death and Burial
Robert Walker was found deceased at his home on a Monday morning, as reported in the Newton Record. Funeral services were held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, February 6, 1966, at 1 p.m., with Rev. J. F. Moore officiating.
He was laid to rest in the St. John Church cemetery, where many members of the Walker, Evans, Hill, and Donald families also rest.
He was survived by:
- His wife, Cordelia Walker
- Daughters: Drucilla McComb, Audria Yates, Rosie Johnson, Delia Hardy, Yvonnic Jones, Annette Tripple, and Agnes Wesley
- Sons: Dudley Walker, George Walker, and Roosevelt Walker
- One brother: Eugene “James” Walker of Newton
- One sister: Bertha Sue Wesley of Newton
- Two aunts: Millie Evans and Bessie Walker
- One uncle: James (Jim) Walker of Alabama
- 40 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Cordelia Walker Obituary, Wed, Apr 06, 1966 ·Page 11
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., World War I Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
- The Newton Record, Robert Walker Obituary, Wed, Feb 09, 1966 ·Page 10
- The Newton Record, Robert Walker Found Dead, Wed, Feb 02, 1966 ·Page 11
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