Eloise Walker

Eloise Stratton Walker, 92, of Cleveland, MS went to be with the Lord Friday, September 30, 2022.  Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at Ray Funeral Home.  Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS. 

Eloise was born June 11, 1930, in Rolling Fork, MS to Lucien and Irene Wesley Stratton.  She married Hugh Ellis Walker Sr. August 19, 1951, in Rolling Fork, MS.  Eloise was a member of the First Baptist Church.  She served as teacher and principal in the Clinton, MS school district from 1960-1970.  Eloise was the first principal of Clinton Park Elementary 1964-1970.  She served as an associate professor and coordinator of the undergraduate elementary education degree program in the College of Education at Delta State University from 1970-1993.  During her tenure, she set the bar for high standards and exemplary teaching, leaving a legacy for quality educator preparation that continues to this day.  Generations of education graduates who have dedicated themselves to excellence in teaching, credit Mrs. Walker as their role model, citing her outstanding teaching, high expectations, caring disposition, and professional friendship.  Former students and friends initiated the Eloise Stratton Walker Faculty Development Scholarship.  This scholarship provides funding to allow elementary education faculty to attend conferences or engage in other professional development opportunities.  Eloise was an excellent cook and was known for her Christmas candy.  She loved Delta State University along with all their sporting events and educating teachers.  Most of all, she loved her family and friends. 

She is preceded by her parents Lucien and Irene Wesley Stratton; husband, Hugh Ellis Walker; brothers, Raymond Leroy Stratton, DDS and Lucien Moore Stratton Jr.; sister, Anita Wilborn Graham; niece, Gail Wilburn; grandson, Corey Allen Raines.

Eloise is survived by her daughter, Sheri Lynn Walker Wright and her husband Timothy Joe Wright; son, Hugh Ellis Walker Jr. and his wife Renita Walker; grandchildren, Patti Wright Salazar, Katie Wright Kelley and husband Bryan Kelley, Hugh Ellis Walker III and his wife Kristen McCree Walker, William Bryan Walker II, Taylor Stratton Walker, and Kacey A Kennedy; sisters, Virginia Stratton Hovis and Ann Wells Dale; former daughter-in-law, Sherri Burton Walker; also many beloved nephews and nieces; former co-workers; friends; and 12 great grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Eloise Stratton Walker Scholarship DSU Box 3141 Cleveland, MS  38732, or deltastategiving.org, Baptist Children’s Village P.O. Box 27 Clinton, MS 39060-0027, or St. Jude Memorial Giving 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.