Mary Elizabeth Walker

Mary E. Walker How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg “….Thy hands have made…” Mary Elizabeth Walker was born on August 30, 1950, in Lewes, DE, to the late Deacon Wilmer A Jenkins, Sr and Evangelist Cassie E Jenkins-Palmer. Mary was the 10th of 13 children born to this union. “Lizzy”, as she was affectionately known, received her education in the Seaford School District. Mary graduated from Seaford Senior High School, Seaford DE in 1968. “….He bled and died to take away my sin…” Mary gave her heart to the Lord at a young age and began her work for the Lord. She was a member of Clarence St Church of God in Seaford, DE from her youth. She was appointed the church clerk at the age of 19, in 1969 and she would hold this position until July 2005. For 36 years, as the clerk, she served many pastors: Rev Harry Potier, Rev G.J. Wilson, Bishop Clarence Denson, Rev L.O. Wynn, Bishop Rev. Dr Isaac Brunson, and Bishop Carlton Cannon, Sr. She was most recently under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Carlton Cannon, Jr. “Sister Walker”, as her church family called her, wore many hats and involved herself in many different ministries over the years: some of which were the Mass Choir, Women’s Choir, Usher Board, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Custodial Ministry, Food Ministry, Benevolence Ministry, Christmas Caroling, Street Ministry, Prison Ministry, Discipleship, Senior Club, Northeast Regional Fellowship Coordinator, and more. In the early part of 1974, Mary Jenkins met Freeman Walker. He attended a revival and gave his heart to the Lord on a Sunday evening. By Friday, of the same week, Freeman asked Mary to dinner. On September 28, 1974, in the presence of family and friends, the two were joined in Holy Matrimony. From this union came three girls. As a family they would clean the church for over 20 years. This task became the foundation for teaching their girls how to reverence and respect the House of God. Mary was employed by Vlasic (Pinnacle Foods, Millsboro, DE) for 32 years from 1973-2005. She loved her coworkers. They became family. She and her co-workers became sisters and aunts to one another’s children. In addition to working for Pinnacle Foods, she was at one time employed by Playtex (Dover. DE), and National Cash Register (NCR), Millsboro, DE. “….then sings my soul..” Mary held a special place in the hearts of those she came in contact with. She became a pillar of strength, prayer partner for those in need, wise counselor for young Christians and married couples, and an advocate for those who were too afraid to speak up for themselves. She stood on the side of right, no matter who it involved. Mary’s genuine heart always lead her to help anyone she could. She offered the love of Jesus to those she came in contact with. She was dedicated to the work of God and exemplified the joy of serving. “”…then I shall bow…” Serving God was not an obligation nor was it a religions act. It was, however, what she wanted to do and what she wanted for her family (especially her girls). She often told others “When you serve God, you will not have a problem serving others.” Mary was a devoted mother, committed grandmother and great grandmother, a loving sister, genuine friend, and a faithful servant of God. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Deacon Freeman Walker, brothers: Donald and Ronald Jenkins, and sister: Ada Jenkins. She leaves to cherish her three daughters Michelle Walker of Ellendale DE, Joy (David) Shuler and Lady Patience (Bishop Alfred) Cannon of Seaford, DE. Two Godsons: John Teagle and Brandon Jenkins. Grand children: Kiante Fooks, Kirah Walker, Brianna Walker, Josiah Shuler, Jacob Shuler, Alfred Cannon Jr, II, and Andre Cannon. Great Grandchildren: Nadiya and Talia Nelson. Brothers: Wilmer Jenkins (Dorothy), Frank Jenkins, William (Doris), Ivory Jenkins, Sr (Janice), Leonard Jenkins, and Sylvester Jenkins. Sisters: Edith Brown, Rev. Lucy Teagle (Rev Charles), Vicki Salley (David “Darnell”), a special nephew Larry Camper (Debra), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a loving church family and friends. “…and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart”

Mary Elizabeth Walker

August 30, 1950 - February 11, 2022