Marie Owens Walker

Life’s Reflections

OurMother, Marie Owens Walker (one of nineteen children), was born on July 26, 1923 to Clark and Dora Owens of Moscow, TN. She departed this life at the age of 100+ years on Monday, September 11, 2023.

She professed her belief in God and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Liberty Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow, TN. Later, she became a member of New Heaven Baptist Church in Piperton, TN. Until she closed her eyes in the sleep of death, she loved and supported her church, faithfully served on the Mother’s Board and adored by her pastor.

She was united in holy matrimony to Ollie Walker on December 13, 1941. She was a crown to her husband and to this union fourteen children were born. Her husband (Ollie Walker) and three sons (Clark E. Walker, Freddie Walker-called “Bubba”, and Leroy Walker) and a sweet granddaughter (Dacia Walker) preceded her in death.

Though Marie spent many years working in the fields and sharecropping with her husband, she also worked domestically in the private homes of others and was later employed as a social worker for Fayette County Schools. In this role, Marie was able to let her Christian light shine more than ever in the communities and schools that she visited daily. She influenced young mothers and their children to stay in school, to trust God and to dream big. Marie impacted lives and tried to make a difference in the world. Her infectious energy and drive to always do her best motivated others.

Marie’s children and education were her passion. She loved her children and taught them to work hard, study hard and be respectful of others. She often bragged that she never had to visit a jail cell to bail one of her 14 children out of trouble. She preached obedience, not only to God but to the laws of our country. She taught her children the importance of getting the best education possible and was a wonderful example of “practice what you preach.” She obtained her GED in 1992 at the age of 69 years old, proving that adage: “You’re never too old to learn and fulfill your dreams.” She believed, “All things are possible with God!”

Marie loved to help others. She set a gold standard in her giving and often shared with others less fortunate despite her family having very little. She believed strongly that it is better to give than to receive and taught all her children to lend a helping hand with no expectation of pay or reward. Her family witnessed how God rewarded her big heart and unselfish giving, blessing her years above and exceedingly beyond anything she could ask.

Marie was a very independent woman, and, in many ways, her views were years ahead of her time. She felt that women should have some of the same opportunities as men. She taught all 7 of her daughters to drive, work hard, manage money and pushed them to be college-educated. She shouted and celebrated every cap and gown moment that her children and grandchildren earned.

Marie was a disciplinarian and, more often than not, used lots of cliches to get her point across; many of which will be part of her legacy for generations to come. To share a few of favorites:

•Love God, trust in Him, and do not be ashamed to praise and tell others about Him.

•Don’t worry. Place it in God’s hands and ask Him to prepare you for whatever comes your way.

•Give, because the more you give, the more you receive.

•Always be low, meek and humble.

•Watch what you say! People can hear you talking but they can’t hear you thinking.

•Be good for your word.

•Don’t make fun of those less fortunate. You should be able to talk as respectfully to the homeless man as you do the President of the United States.

•Shun trouble!

•Clothes do not make the man!

•Keep good credit!

•If you have it in your head, no one can take it away from you.

•Live for what you want and die for what you don’t want!

•Hold your head up! You are SOMEBODY!!

•You are a Child of GOD!!

Marie loved the Lord and spoke of his goodness with everyone that she met. God enriched her years with a large loving family, filled with wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law who loved, respected, and fondly referred to her as “Big Momma”. While the world searched for role models in the media, politics, on the screen, we’ve always had ours in Mom. “She lived and taught the scriptures with her life and in her life.” She was that virtuous woman spoken of in Proverbs 31:10-31. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”. We, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, cousins, other relatives, and friends saw that woman of God in Marie.

God fulfilled His promises in Marie’s life and in the lives of her children and grandchildren because Marie believed and trusted God!

Though she lived 100+ years, she would tell you any given day of the week her age, “I’m 16.”

Marie loved and leaves to cherish her memories, eleven children, Ollie Ray (Evelyn) Walker, Sr. Memphis, TN, Dorothy (Ernest) James, Augusta, GA, Virginia Martin, LaVergne, TN, Gladys (Earl) Brooks, Germantown, TN, Angie (Charles) Myles, Collierville, TN, Oscar Walker, Augusta, GA, Letha (Greg)

Sanders, Collierville, TN, Carrie Harper, Memphis, TN, Peggy (Maruice) Norman, Conyers, GA, Tony (Sabrina)

Walker, Memphis, TN, John (Alfreida) Walker, Memphis, TN, thirty one grandchildren, thirty eight great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, daughters-in-law Marjorie

Walker, Hutto, TX, Perellia

Walker, Moscow, TN, Dessie

Walker, Powder Springs, GA, one sister Harriet Glover (age 106+) Chicago, IL, a special son, Johnny (Freda) Dotson,

Order of Celebration

Saturday, September 23, 2023 • 12:00 Noon

New Bethel Baptist Church

7786 Poplar Pike • Germantown, Tennessee 38128

Dr. Donald R. Ester, Sr., Pastor Pastor Tommie Watkins, Officiant

Prelude

Processional.............................................................................The Family of Mother Marie Owens Walker

Scripture Readings:

The Old Testament...............................................................................Reverend McArthur Sanders

Inner Changing Word Christian Church

The New Testament...........................................................................Minister Sammy Johnson

Great Nephew, New Heaven Baptist Church

Prayer of Comfort...............................................................................................................Kenneth Walker

Grandson

Solo.......................................................................................................................................Sabrina Walker

Reflections of Love

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

First Lady Bettye Watkins - New Heaven Baptist Church

Francetta Lofties - Cousin/Neighbor

Angie Myles - Daughter

Fredrick Walker - Grandson

Camren Martin - Great Grandson

Daughter-in-Law

Solo......................................................................................................................................Alfreida Walker

Daughter-in-Law

Words of Comfort.....................................................................................................Dr. Donald R. Ester, Sr. Pastor, New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Solo..........................................................................................................................................Gregory Holt

New Heaven Baptist Church

Family Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................Carrie Harper Daughter

Piano Instrumental Tribute.....................................................................................................Aliyah Walker

*Reminiscence: a Marie written for Marie “Big Momma” Walker who was my precious grandmother

Eulogy......................................................................................................................Pastor Tommie Watkins

New Heaven Baptist Church

Recessional

“Love leaves a memory...no one can steal”

Ribbons: Children (Ivory & Gold); Grands (Lavender); In-Laws (Gold on Gold)

herished CMemories

~ Acknowledgements ~

When it seemed that our loss was too great to bear, we looked up, and our friends, neighbors, church members and co-workers were there with overwhelming expressions of love, smiles, encouraging words, cards, donations, flowers and, most of all, prayers that have been a wonderful source of comfort and strength to us. We are humbled by the outpouring of love. It is our prayer that God will bless each of you abundantly for the magnitude of your support and kindness.

We are especially grateful to Ms. Bobbie J. Morton and Ms. Norma Jean Wagner, whose faithful, loving, gentle, patient and compassionate care for our mother will never be forgotten. We love you.

Special Thanks and Appreciation:

Pastor Tommie Watkins and New Heaven Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Donald R. Ester and New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Henry Stamps and his dedicated Staff

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mullinax

Compassus Staff and Quail Call Road Community

Words can never express our thanks, love, gratitude, and appreciation for Earl and Gladys Brooks (brother-in-law and sister), who shared their home with Mom, family, and friends. THANK YOU! With Grateful Hearts, The Family of Marie Owens Walker

~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ New

Heaven Baptist Church Deacons’ Helpers