Marianne Frances Walker

In Marianne's Own Words

As a native Houstonian, I had the privilege of attending the public schools of the Houston Independent School District.

My elementary years were spent at Blackshear Elementary in the Third Ward area of Houston where my parents Hazel and Howard Young resided. As an only child, I was encouraged to become involved in several aspects of the visual and performing arts by my parents for cultural enrichment, the self-discipline, and individual achievement which could be derived therefrom.

For it was the custom of that time that young girls be trained in these areas to become “accomplished” by the time they reached the age 16. And so my studies of the piano and ballet were begun. Since I had no particular talent in either of these areas – my lessons were amusing at best!

When my school day ended at 2:00 pm, I would walk from Blackshear to Yates; wait for my mother to teach her sixth period Latin class so that we could ride home together.

One afternoon I saw her class rehearse for the re-enactment of “Caesar’s Gallic Wars”. From that moment on. I became smitten by the “Acting Bug”. And so by the time I reached W.E. Miller Junior High School, I began acting and elocution lessons at what then “Theater Inc.” on Chelsea Blvd.

My maternal grand-parents, Harry and Beatrice Hainsworth, both former teachers in Grimes County, felt it was somehow less “refined” to participate in stage productions. And so after 2 years and 6 plays, my piano lessons resumed. I was now to instructed by Miss Bessie Griffith – at 808 Hawthorne. One of Houston’s premiere music teachers.

While this was several years before Houston Public Schools integrated, I had my first interaction with children of other races at Miss Bessie’s studio. From this experience, I learned that I could stand on my own merits and never feel inadequate.

Moreover, at Miller Junior High, I took art as an elective. The teacher was Miss Sylvia Narcisse who was young, beautiful and talented; and whom everyone agreed “had it all together”. She was my inspiration in drawing and painting. She never failed to motivate and encourage her students. With my mother and Miss Narcisse as prime role models, I knew I just had to teach someday.

In high school at Wheatley, I wanted to be more than Hazel Young’s, the Dean’s daughter. I was not a kid from the fifth ward neighborhood, where Wheatley High is located; and so, I felt I had to prove myself in order to fit in.

I participated in Drama, Cheerleaders “Mascot”, Girl Scouts, the Cosmopolitan Club, Wheatley’s Lovable Troubadours, and the Art Club.

Mrs. Ethel Ladner and Mrs. Elizabeth Mimms were adding still newer dimensions to my artistic training.

Later in college at T.S.U I had the opportunity and good fortune to study under Dr. John Biggers – a world class artist of great stature, who taught me among other things, to always remain levelheaded, keep a realistic perspective on all things, and work hard.

I knew that if a genius like Dr. Biggers never lost sight of who he was as a real person and never gave less than the best to any of his students – I could in my own small way do likewise.

With continued love and guidance from my parents – I was encouraged to “see the world”. I developed an appreciation for living life to the fullest and traveling wherever and whenever I could. I appreciate our world and place in it. And having seen Europe, Asia, Africa, Mexico, and the Caribbean, I know that I am indeed blessed to have had parents and grandparents who were willing to make many personal sacrifices so that in real life, I could spin the “Wheel of Fortune”, win great opportunities, and use them wisely!

Please dress in your Sunday best ! ✝👒

In Memoriam

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a tax-deductible memorial gift to the Marianne Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit deserving high school graduates. Donations can be made in care of:

Ivy Educational & Charitable Foundation of Houston, Inc.

P. O. Box 2685

Houston, TX 77252

For more information, please contact Monica Brown Adeeko

Email: [email protected] or Phone: 713-256-5921

For Online Donations:

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