wilford walker
1937-2022
Life Story
Biography
June 11, 1937 – June 4, 2022
Early Life
Wilford Walker was born on June 11, 1937, to William Walker (1882-1948) and Cherrie Wash Walker (1903-1991) in Newton County, Mississippi. He grew up as part of a large farming family and spent his early years in the rural Newton County community connected to Pleasant Grove and St. John.
Migration and Employment
As a young adult, Wilford migrated to Indianapolis, Indiana, reflecting the broader mid-twentieth-century movement of Newton County families seeking industrial employment. In Indianapolis, he worked in the used-car industry as a lot boy. His employer was Joan & Maley, where he performed general labor associated with automobile sales and maintenance.
Marriage
Public court records show that Wilford Walker was married to Gladys Walker. A divorce filing listing their names indicates a later dissolution of the marriage. No children are identified in the records provided.
Newspaper Record
A 1950s Indianapolis newspaper article documents that Wilford Walker, then 18 years old, was the victim of an assault stemming from a case of mistaken identity. The article identifies him as the injured party and reflects the risks faced by young Black men in urban environments during this period. This notice is included here solely to clarify identity and chronology, as it is one of the few surviving contemporary references to him in the public record.
Later Life
Wilford remained in Indianapolis for much of his adult life. His life trajectory parallels that of several of his siblings who also settled in Indiana while maintaining family ties to Newton County, Mississippi.
Death and Burial
Wilford Walker passed away on June 4, 2022. He was laid to rest at St. John Graveyard, returning him to the family burial ground established by earlier generations of the Walker family.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Wed, Jan 03, 1968 ·Page 11
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019
- U.S., Korean War Era Draft Cards, 1948-1959
- Scott County Times, Cherrie Walker Obituary, Wed, May 15, 1991 ·Page 8
- The Indianapolis Star, Jealous Suitor Fined, Jailed, Thu, Feb 16, 1956 ·Page 43
- The Indianapolis Star, Divorce Lawsuits Filed, Tue, Jul 18, 1989 ·Page 43
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