OBITUARY
Dorothy Croom Walker
September 3, 1935 – January 19, 2021
Dorothy Mae Croom Walker was born on September 3, 1935 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late Will Croom and Gillie Ann Payne. She was the 12th child out of 13 beautiful children. Dorothy’s parents and 12 siblings preceded her in death.
Dorothy was a smart and bright woman. She excelled academically in the Tuscaloosa City School system and went on to attend Alabama State University where she received her Bachelor of Education. In 1960, she moved from Tuscaloosa to Los Angeles, Ca to further her education. She went on to receive her Master of Education from the University of Southern California, after which she started teaching in the Lawndale Unified School District in Lawndale, Ca. While attending ASU, Dorothy became a member of the Divine 9 organization by pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was inducted into the Beta Eta Chapter at Alabama State University over 60 years ago and received her 50-year plaque of service in the organization and continued to serve until her health failed her. She was also a member of organizations such as the Pearly Gate Chapter #488, the Golden Circle, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Dorothy was raised to love God and his people. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Weeping Mary African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After moving to California, Dorothy joined Martin Chapel AME Zion Church. On April 11, 1965, Dorothy married Rev. Jewett L. Walker, Sr, who shortly after became the Pastor of Martin Chapel AMEZion Church. On May 28, 1970, The Walkers gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, Elijah Harvey Walker. After serving many years in the Southwest Rocky Mountain Conference, the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1996, Dorothy co-founded the Walker Funeral Home in Concord, North Carolina, a family-owned business, that served the community and supported families during their transition in meeting the burial needs of their loved ones. After moving to Charlotte, Sister Walker got right back to work for her beloved Zion. She was the former First lady of Rock Hill AMEZion Church of Indian Trail, North Carolina, Bennetsville AMEZion Church of Norwood, North Carolina, Price Memorial AMEZion Church of Concord, North Carolina, Mount Zion AMEZion Church of Lancaster, South Carolina, and North Corner AMEZion Church of Lancaster, South Carolina.
Dorothy’s devoted passion for young children extended throughout her career. After her retirement from the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District she continued her passion by starting 6 Girls Scout Troops in churches in Lancaster, SC. She loved her sports! Dorothy was a faithful fan of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets for which she was season ticket holder.
Dorothy was a loving supportive wife and the epitome of what a pastor’s wife should be. She exemplified this as she dedicated her life in service to God. She was loving, compassionate, graceful, sophisticated, kind and highly intelligent and when things go rough, she would say “Got the blues”!! These attributes served her family and her beloved Zion well. Her favorite song was “if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain” and that was the life she lived. While Dorothy is absent from the body, we know that she is present with our Lord and rejoicing with her family.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Elijah Harvey Walker (Crystal) of Charlotte, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Deja Imani Fitzgerald (Jesse) of Portland, Oregon, Elijah O'Dell Christopher Walker, and Jada Elise Walker, both of Charlotte, North Carolina; stepsons, Rev. Jewett L. Walker, Jr., and Keven M. Walker-Conner; stepdaughters, Cassandra L. Crawford, Michelle Denise Walker-Davis, Ella Walker, Betty Rene’ Norman (Lewis); and one great granddaughter, Aliyah Michele Walker. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Due to the COVID crisis in California, Graveside and Interment services will be held in Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA. at a later date.
Services
| 3 March |
Burial10:00 am Riverside National Cemetery |
| 3 March |
Visitation8:30 am - 9:00 am Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary |
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
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Visitation
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Memories
Dorothy Croom Walker
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYB. Rene Norman
January 31, 2021
To Dot,
You and your laughter will be missed! I enjoyed the talks we use to have. Lewis and I will never forget the moments we shared in Charlotte when Daddy was hospitalized back in 2012. I had a chance to see a different side of you that I hadn't experienced intimately!
Betty René Walker Norman
LLR Barbara Truesdale
January 27, 2021
Cathy Holland
January 27, 2021
Thinking of you and your family. May God give you and your family Strength and Comfort at this time.
Dianne Pappas
January 27, 2021
Condolences 💐 to Harvey, Sandra and the Family. We had good times going to the mountains in the fall cooking and eating.
The Myers Family will miss Mrs. Walker .
Dianne of McIlwaine Butler
January 27, 2021
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Walker.
Sheila Roseboro
January 26, 2021
Harvey,
Paul and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you in these days of sorrow and grief.
Mrs. Walker was a very beautiful and inspiring first lady while at Bennettsville AME Zion Church and will always be remembered.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you very much.
Paul and Sheila Roseboro
Mildred Audrey
January 26, 2021
I am sorry for the loss of your mother and praying that God will continue to circle your family with His Angel of love and peace.
Renee Smith
January 25, 2021
Too many good memories to count...
Aunt Dot loved God, family, and others with fervor. I am grateful for having an amazing example and a loving Aunt.
May God give Elijah and the family peace in knowing that she loved them dearly.
Blessings,
Renee Smith
Cynthia Barnett-Edwards
January 25, 2021
Aunt Dot I thank God for the entire Croom family that was also the Barnett Family. Thank you for your unconditional love that you showered me and so many others with. I thank you for my unforgettable debutante ball experience in 1970 in which I was crowned queen. You never wavered in anything you did for so many of us , and you never asked for anything but for us to give it our best. Rest well precious Aunt Dot until we meet again. See you in the Rapture.
Mary Elder
January 25, 2021
The obituary says everything that we remember about Mrs. Walker.
Those we have held in our arms for a short while, we will hold in our hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
We Love You
The Myers family - Lancaster, SC
Sandra Pickens
January 25, 2021
Sending my love and prayers to the family.
LL Sandra Y. Pickens
Terrence Jones
January 25, 2021
Mrs Walker was such a wonderful lady whom I loved dearly. My prayers are with this family. May God comfort you during this time.
patricia smoke
January 24, 2021
I take this time to extend my deepest sympathy to the Walker family .I pray that your faith will give you strength during this hour. Mrs Walker was a jewel and a gift to all who met her. She expressed Love ,Kindness and Joy to all on her journey. Her memories will linger on in my heart. God Bless you and give you comfort and peace.
Terry Sanders
January 24, 2021
Thank you for understanding heart, and your dedication to the family. You will always be in my heart. I guess I’m not mad at you anymore for making me take part of that debutante when I was 8. Rest In Peace my gracious Aunt Dot. Big Mama and Big Daddy now have all their babies with them.
Much Love Aunt Dot
Terry
Evelena THOMPSON
January 23, 2021
It was my pleasure to meet Dorothy when her late husband was serving as a General Officer for the AME Zion Church, Charlotte. I worked with her on the Charlotte District MS&W(ers) Fellowship over the years! We always
enjoyed sharing during Connectional
Meetings and Annual Conferences. When she became a Widow, she joined
Gethsemane AMEZ Church, where we
connected and renewed our Friendship.
She was a delightful Lady, loved by those who came in contact with her. I was honored to serve as her Class Leader and invited her to connect with
the Charlotte District MS&W(ers) Fellowship. We spoke often and encouraged each other! Dorothy's
beautiful smile and Spirit will be deeply
missed in my life! God Bless and keep this beautiful family!!!
Love, Ms. Evelena Thompson
Florence Shepard
January 22, 2021
You always showed us what a LADY was all about. I never will forget the lessons you shared with us. Take your rest you have earned your wings to fly in the heavens.
The Loyal Ladies of Zack Alexander Assembly No. 35
LL Florence Shepard PLLR
Mary Cuthbertson
January 22, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Harvey Walker and the entire Walker family. Mrs. Dot Walker will be missed for her loving, and giving spirit. She was a long time and committed member of Pearly Gate Chapter #488 where she served as Worthy Matron, Associate Matron, Conductress and Treasurer(she was also a very dedicated member of the Golden Circle). She enjoyed serving others and organizing projects.
Mrs. Dorothy Walker was Assistant Principal of Piney Grove Elementary School (CMS). Her husband the late Dr. Jewett Walker was once Pastor Rock Hill AME Zion Church, Indian Trail, NC. Thank you God for giving us such a beautiful gift.