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.
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