JIMMIE D. WALKER Sr.

Jimmie D. Walker Sr, 82, acclaimed educator and minister Jimmie D. Walker Sr., a resident of Memphis, TN passed away June 12, 2010 at Grace Health & Rehabilitation Center while recovering from a stroke. He was born March 15, 1928 in Lena, MS to Earnest and Frances Walker. He was married to Henrietta Williams (deceased) on December 17, 1949. After her passing, he was remarried to Doris Jean Harris in 1992. Walker attended Walnut Grove High School, Alcorn A & M College, Tuskegee Institute, Michigan State University, Memphis State University, and Memphis Theological Seminary. He was a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason and Shriner affiliated with the Al Haraan Temple of Grenada, MS. He served that temple as Potentate and was later named Imperial Deputy of the Desert for the state of Mississippi. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the Alcorn Alumni Association, Jimmie Walker served in a number of leadership roles. The Oakland Consolidated School System named the High School after him in 1962. Walker served as principal in that system for 12 years before becoming Principal at Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, MS. At Rosa Fort he embarked on a Grounds Improvement Campaign that was a remarkable success. At the time Walker was principal, Tunica County was considered the most impoverished county in the United States. His leadership at Rosa Fort produced exceptional scholars, a testament to sound leadership and focus. Walker worked in the private sector for two years before returning to the field of education In Yalobusha County Mississippi. He served as principal of Coffeeville High School and later as assistant Superintendent of Yalobusha County Schools, a position he retired from in 1985. Walker was an avid Pool Checker player, horticulturalist and was known for his ample Community Gardens, where produce was often given away. After retirement, he operated a sweet potato distribution business where he was fondly labeled “The Sweet Potato Man” Jimmie harbored a “Fix It” mentality and was an accomplished plumber, electrician, builder and public speaker. Mourning his passing is his wife, Doris Jean Walker; two sons: Jimmie D. Walker, Jr. (Sandra) and Alex L. Walker (Beverly) both of Memphis, TN; stepdaughter, Constance Graham of Memphis, TN; two brothers: Eddie Walker of St, Petersburg, FL, LeBon Walker of Washington DC; two sisters: Emma Negussie (Ambachew) of Southfield, MI and Lorene Walker of Memphis, TN. Also seven grandchildren: Kimberly Walker of Memphis, TN; Jimmie D. Walker III (Mitzi) of New Haven, MI. Dr. Tamara Walker, Esq. of Chicago, IL, Lorieal Walker Green (Christopher) of Atlanta GA, Alex Jason Walker of Memphis, TN, Dalton Hooks (Samantha), Las Vegas, NV, Anna Youngman (Willie) of Memphis, TN; and seven great- grandchildren: Kyla Walker, Jemia Walker, Jimmie D. Walker IV, Johnathan Walker, Brendon Green, Jayden Walker, and Hailee Aragon and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be Friday, June 18 from 4-6:30 p.m. at N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 19 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Avenue, with burial to follow in Memphis Memory Gardens.