“A life of service.” It comes with much sadness that the Yelder family has to announce the peacefull passing of our dear Aunt Marjesta. She was called home to rest on October 22, 2018 with the strength, dignity and grace that marked the life she lived.

She was predeceased by her parents (Joe and Larsenia Yelder), husband (Rev. H.O. Walker), two brothers (William J. Yelder, Sr. and Andrew B. Yelder), three sisters (Cindy Moore, Laura Johnson, and Lucy Bell Jones).

She was born on January 14, 1918 in Minter as the fifth child of six. She attended Clark School in Selma. At that time, Clark School only went to 10th grade. She finished her high school work at Knox Academy.

In university, she was very active in sports, where she played basketball and became very attached to her number 26. She had a thirst for knowledge and finished Junior college at Stillman Institute with a professional “D” certificate in education. This enabled her to obtain a teaching position in an elementary school (grades 1-3).

She returned to university and recieved a Bachelor and a master degree from Alabama State University. During the summers, she completed advance studies at Columbia University in New York City (just two courses short of PhD degree).

Near the end of her career, she married Rev. H.O. Walker. He was the manager of Booker Washington Insurance and the pastor of Summer Grove Baptist Church, who had 4 lovely children: Otis, Gwendolyn, Hercules, Jr., and Renee.

Among her many projects, she served as president of District 1 of Dallas County Teacher’s Association; Tipton High School’s first Librarian; president of the Library Student Assistance for the state of Alabama; a member of the Business and Professional Women Club; Board of  Trustees for Selma and Dallas County Public Library; a Notary Public for the state of Alabama at Large; and participate in many civic and social affairs in the community.

On her spiritual side, at the tender age of 12, she joined the East Salem Baptist Church. Also, she was a dedicated member and the Mother of Summer Grove Missionary Baptist Church, served as Sunday School Teacher for the adult class; the first Counselor for the Matrons; President of the Courtesy Guild; and a teacher for the Missionary Society.

As a teacher, mentor, and leader, she made a difference in the lives of many; her students, her church, and her family.

She is survived by her two nephews, William J. Yelder, Jr. (Sharon) and George T. Yelder (Linda), three nieces, Lucy Nell Hayes, Van Childress, and Andre Gandy, two step daughters, Gwendolyn Glover and Renee Demeke, two step sons, Otis Walker (Marie) and Hercules (Sharon), multitude of cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, and friends.

Visitation will take place on October 29, 2018 at Miller Funeral Home. A home going celebration will be held on October 30, 2018 at Summer Grove Missionary Baptist Church located at 420 Twenty-Foot Avenue, Selma, at noon

A repast will be held at the Summer Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall following the interment in the Yelder family plot at Mount Zion M.E. Church in Selma.