Obituary of Reverend Luther Lee Walker, Jr.

The Rev. Luther L. Walker, Jr. was a native Delawarean.  He was born in Armstrong Corner, Middletown, Delaware on September 13, 1932 to the late Lee L. Walker and Rose Anna Jones Walker.  He had six siblings, George, Earl, Sr., Virginia, James Sr., Alberta, and Ardie.

Rev. Walker was educated during his early years at Louis L. Redding School No. 120C in Middletown.  He attended high school at Delaware State College in Dover.  His education was interrupted on March 31, 1950, when he volunteered to defend his country in the United States Air Force, in the Korean War.  He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and received an honorable discharge on March 31, 1954.  Later, Rev. Walker successfully completed his education and received his diploma at James H. Groves Adult High School.

On February 21, 1952, Rev. Walker married his high school sweetheart, Alice Marie Fields.  He was the loving father of seven children, two adopted children, twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Rev. Walker’s conversion began in 1947 at Trinity AME Church, under the late Rev. Isaac E. Showell.  He became a faithful member and dedicated officer.  It was December of 1964 when he received his call into the ministry, under the late Rev. Roy Williams.  His theological studies included Boulder Academy and Seminary, Moody Bible College, and Central Urban Theological Studies.

On February 28, 1965, Rev. Walker was given the privilege to preach his initial sermon, “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself,” Matthew 22:34-40.  Later that year, he was admitted to the District Conference, and the following year in April of 1966, he was admitted to the Annual Conference.  In that same conference year, at the request of the late Presiding Elder John L. Link, Rev. Walker received his first pastorate.  In 1968, he was ordained an Itinerate Deacon at St. Matthew AME Church in Philadelphia, PA.  In 1970, he was ordained an Itinerate Elder at Asbury AME Church in Chester, PA.  Amazingly, after just eight years in the ministry, in 1972, Rev. Walker was honored by the late Presiding Elder William B. Fausch to preach the Annual Conference Sermon, “Is There Any Word from the Lord?” Jeremiah 37:17.

Rev. Walker made history and had many great accomplishments.  He was the first African American to serve on the Chamber of Commerce in Middletown, Delaware, the only African American to serve as Superintendent of Building and Grounds in the Appoquinimink School District and as Director of Southern New Castle County Parks and Recreation, President of Lower New Castle County Community Action, member of the Lower New Castle County Planning Board, and Secretary of the Delaware Annual Conference.

Although Rev. Walker served his country honorably for four years, he served his Lord humbly for forty years.  His motto was, “I’m just a servant.”  Many have viewed him as the Nehemiah of our times.  Not only was he responsible for building expansions of churches, but he also helped to expand the characters of the people whom he pastored.  His pastorate appointments included Mt. Olive AME Church (1966-1970), Mt. Friendship/Blanco Circuit (1970-1975), St. George AME Church (1975-1992), and Emmanuel AME Church (1992-2006).

After a brief illness in June of 2006, Rev. Walker made the decision to pursue his retirement.  He submitted his letter of resignation to Bishop Richard F. Norris.  In July 2006, at the Christian Education Congress, Bishop Norris sadly accepted Rev. Walker’s request and relieved him of his pastorate duties.  Upon his recovery, Rev. Walker Superannuated on April 14, 2007.  He returned to Trinity AME Church after retirement, under the leadership of Rev., Dr. Natalie P. Alford.

Rev. Walker was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Alice M. Walker; one son, Donald E. Walker, Sr.; two daughters, Dione & Rev. Deborah Walker; one brother, George Berry, Sr.; and one sister, Virginia W. Beecher.

He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters; Gloria Williams, Elder Patricia and Lois Walker; three sons, Rev. Luther L. Walker, III, (Vienna), Earl and Rev. John Jordan (Carmen); twelve grandchildren, Andre Walker, Dr. TaQuina Warren (Jamar), Brian Walker, Luther Walker, IV, Donald Walker, Jr. (Brandy), Andre Reed, Jr., DiAnte Reed, Alleeah Reed, Nakiyah and Tiffany Jordan, Marsha and Darnell (Wanda) Williams; twelve great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Earl Sr. and James Walker, Sr.; two sisters, Ardie Todd (Devon) and Alberta Walker; six sisters-in-law, Lillian Young, Carolyn Williams, Marie Suggs (Calvin), Thelma Queen, Leola Walker, Mae Berry; daughter-in-law, Trina Walker; goddaughter, Lisa Walker, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Topic: Rev. Luther L. Walker, Jr. Celebration of Life

Time: Mar 12, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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