Walter H. Green Sr.

1933 - 2015

Walter H. Green, Sr.

Norfolk - Walter H. Green, Sr. met his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. Walter was born on July 29, 1933 in Norfolk, VA to the late Lillian Vaughn Green and George H. Green, Sr. Walter was preceded in death by sister Dr. Mary Green Wyche, brother George H. Green, Jr., and nephew Herbert Green Dawley. Walter was a graduate of the 1951 Booker T. Washington High School class in Norfolk, VA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. He also earned a Master's degree from Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA and completed post-graduate studies at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Walter started his professional career as a Social Studies teacher in South Norfolk. As he furthered his career in education, Walter later became a guidance counselor and retired with 34 years of services from Norfolk Public Schools as the Guidance Chairman at Granby High School. In addition to his tenure in public education, Walter was an adjunct professor for Norfolk State University.

Walter was a man of many firsts. His civic activism led to the chairmanship of the Citizens Committee for the first African-American elected City Councilman in Norfolk, Joseph Jordan (1969). Walter H. Green, Sr. went on to become one of the first Black coaches of a high school varsity sport in Norfolk Public Schools (Cross Country Coach, Norview High, 1967). In 1972, he was appointed as the first Black Guidance Chairman of Granby High School in Norfolk and as the first black President of District L Guidance Counselors Association (1972-74). Next, he was the first Black to be appointed to the Norfolk Civil Service Commission where he served for seven years (1973- 81). His eighth year he was elected as the first Black to serve as Chairman of the Norfolk Civil Service Commission in 1981. On the state level, he was the first Black to be appointed to Virginia's Capital Punishment Advisory Committee. His activities in succeeding years include: Lifelong member of North Carolina Central Alumni Association, Norfolk Circuit Court Jury Commission Chairman, Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2007), and Norfolk Commission to commemorate The 50th Anniversary of the End of Massive Resistance, also known as the Norfolk 17. He has been featured in the History of Norfolk Public Schools 1681-2000, New Journal & Guide 1963 issue (March set stage for getting Blacks in office) and the Virginian Pilot (For Norfolk man, this election was about history and truth, November, 2008.)

Walter was committed to living the spiritual life of his Catholic faith that he so loved. At the Basilica of St. Mary's, Walter served as Parish Council member, Eucharistic minister, church announcer, and Catechumen teacher.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mrs. Alveta Valentine Green, former Norfolk City Council member, and their three children, daughters Dr. Alveta Green Mitchell (Robert), Ms. Darlene M. Green, and son Walter H. Green, Jr. Also left to cherish his memory are his loving grandchildren Rashage Green, Esq., Stephanie L. Sutton, Aleeya Grainger, and Walter Jones. He is also bereaved by his sisters, Dr. Eleanor Green Jones, Mrs. Barbara Green Bess (George), and Mrs. Lillian Green Childers. Walter's memory will also be cherished by his sister in-laws, Mrs. Elnora P. Green (George deceased) and Mrs. Nadine V. Clarke, and brother in-law, Edmund Wyche (Mary deceased). Other surviving family members include nieces Ms. Crystal Johnson and Mrs. Cheryl Dennis; nephews Dr. Edward A. Dawley, III, Mr. George Bess, Jr., Mr. Michael Bess, Mr. Everette B. Jones, Jr., Rev. Michael Saxton; and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Walter's life will be celebrated starting with a wake on Sunday, March 15, 2015, from 6:00PM-8:00PM at the Basilica of St. Mary's. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Basilica of St. Mary's followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Walter's alma mater, North Carolina Central University, payable to NCCU Foundation, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 19363, Durham, NC, 27707 or donations can be made to the Basilica of St. Mary's Capital Improvements Fund and mailed to 1000 Holt Street, Norfolk, VA, 23504. Both donations should include 'In Memory of Walter H. Green, Sr.' in the memo line. All funeral services are being provided by Graves Funeral Home.