Katie Mae Walker

KATIE MAE EDGE WALKER was born on June 18, 1915, in ideal, Georgia, a small town near Macon. She was the third and youngest child born to the late Elder Newt and Willie Mae Edge. Also preceding her in death were a brother, Minor Edge and a sister, Catherine Williams. Katie departed this life suddenly on Friday, March 3, 2006, at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.Under the religious and spiritual guidance of her parents, whom she loved dearly, she professed faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pine Hill A.M.E. Church. She continued to follow His teachings throughout her long life.While in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1940, she met the love of her life, Johnny Walker, Jr. They began a lifetime partnership by marrying March 14, 1941 and relocating to Cleveland, Ohio in 1942. This union was blessed with the love of three children.Having a sense of style and fashion, Katie became the first Black Supervisor for Lamples Clothes Manufacturing Company before becoming a consummate homemaker. Katie supported Johnny’s business, Walker Construction Co., Inc., established in 1954, until he was called home to be with the Lord. Her marriage to Johnny which spanned 53 years was a testament of love, faith and happiness. Through this incredible bond of devotion, they were able to not only build a loving family, but two beautiful homes, one in 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio, and the second in 1967 in Shaker Heights, Ohio.Katie loved the Lord. A lifelong A.M.E. member, Katie had affiliations with several churches in Cleveland including the Church of the Master where she began a longstanding friendship with the late Rev. Fredrick D. and Bessie P. Bradford. She later joined Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church where she maintained her membership until the day she was called home. She was a committed member to Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church for more than 30 years. Her active involvement in church included the Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, Ardent Workers and treasurer of the Concordia Club.Katie’s excellent culinary skills were appreciated by church members as well as her family and friends. She and Johnny cooked some of the best “soul food” in Cleveland. Family gatherings were a common occurrence and so much fun! She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends.Katie was a kind, humble and dignified lady with a lot of style and didn’t hesitate to speak her mind. Her infectious personality and sense of humor endeared her to everyone she met. She was a lady’s lady, admired by many.Having been diagnosed with dementia, Katie was relocated to Richmond, Virginia in 2002 to live with her daughter, Gwen and son-in-law, William. While living there, she established a close relationship with Carolyn McLemore-Smith, her hair stylist, who is less than half her age, but enjoyed her immensely. “Miss Katie,” as she was called in Richmond, enjoyed regular visits to Carolyn’s Creative Touch where she received hair styling, a manicure and pedicure. Throughout the years she was known for her great dancing ability which was a source of entertainment for customers at the beauty salon in Richmond.She will always be loved and remembered by her family for her strength of character, wisdom and determination to live her life to the fullest. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory two daughters, Essie Garlington (widow of Herbert), and Gwen Walker McCorvey (William); one son, Eugene Walker (Chrita); five grandchildren, Antoinette Winters (Riley), Morris Walker, III (Chris), Theresa Walker, Gloria Walker and Huley Barnett, III; six great grandchildren, Gregory and Herbert Wilson, Monolito Walker, Antonio Neal, Martez and Meeco Walker; three great-great grandchildren, 2 special nephews, Jimmie Williams, Jr. (Jeanette), and Newt Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Katie Mae Walker

June 18, 1915 - March 3, 2006