Dr. Wyatt T. Walker

The Reverend Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, 88, transitioned peacefully in his sleep in Chester, Virginia on January 23rd, 2018. Dr. Walker was one of the essential leaders of the civil rights movement.


Born in 1929 in Brockton, MA., Reverend Dr. Wyatt T Walker was the son of Rev. John Wise Walker and Maude Pinn. He was the 8th of 9 children. As a double graduate of Virginia Union University; B.S (chemistry and physics honors) and with a Masters of Divinity. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Ministry from the Rochester Theological Center in NY. Walker was considered a lifelong scholar through his graduate studies and research at several international universities.

His ministry began as the pastor of the historic Gilfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA (1952-1960), and he concurrently served Mt.Level Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, VA. His initial advocacy for civil rights began when he was arrested at the Petersburg library for attempting to check out a book in the “whites only” section. This sparked library protests around the country. He and his wife were Freedom Riders who were jailed in Jackson, MS.

While both were seminary students, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized Walker’s abilities and organizing skills. Walker eventually was selected as Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) based in Atlanta, King’s chief of staff and a key strategist for the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. Dr. Walker built the SCLC into a national organization with chapters throughout the country. He wrote the blueprint for the 1963 campaign that desegregated Birmingham. It is noteworthy that the Letter from a Birmingham Jail was written from Dr.King’s cell on scraps of paper. Dr. Walker collected King’s notes upon his visits and then helped translate the manifesto for publication. He was a key organizer of the March on Washington. At the request of Mrs. Coretta King, he also organized and arranged Dr. King’s funeral.

In 1967, Walker became Chief Executive Minister of Canaan Baptist Church (Harlem, NY) where he served as pastor for 37 years before retiring as Pastor Emeritus in 2004. Under his leadership, Walker sponsored seven housing properties, including three senior housing developments.

Also, Walker was a world traveler visiting over 100 countries. He led international tours for his church, family, and friends. Reverend Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker loved life and people. Walker was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a Paul Harris Fellow and a 33° Mason. He received scores of awards and honors over his lifetime.

In 2016, the University of Richmond established the Dr. and Mrs. Wyatt T Walker Collection of writings, sermons, photographs and other memorabilia soon to be shared with scholars, historians, and the general public.

Walker is survived by his wife of 67 years, Theresa Ann Walker, four children, Patrice Walker Powell, Wyatt T. Jr, Robert Charles, Earl Maurice, two granddaughters- Jachele Walker and Christina Powell, a sister Mary Holley, ten nieces and nephews, plus 27 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Memorial Tribute will be held Friday, February 16, 2018,  6-8 P.M., and a Memorial Worship Service, Saturday, February 17, 2018, 12 NOON - 2 P.M., both to be held at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry Street, Petersburg, Virginia.


Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.