Nonnie Ruth Walker

Ninety-Nine Years of a Life Well-Lived!!! Nonnie Ruth Walker was born on June 21, 1917 in Locust Grove, GA. She was the 7th child born to the late John and Sheneal Walker. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shoal Creek Baptist Church. At Shoal Creek, she attended a one-room schoolhouse for her early education. She went on to complete high school and graduated from Henry County Training School in McDonough, GA. Nonnie Ruth attended Savannah State College and graduated with a degree in Beauty Culture. After working for a while in Griffin, GA as a beautician, she decided to move North as a part of the 2nd Great Migration of African Americans who relocated from the South to improve their quality of life. Nonnie Ruth moved to Detroit in 1942 to live with her mother’s brother and wife, Uncle Bud and Aunt Ida Fluker who had already migrated North. During WWII Nonnie Ruth worked in a Detroit factory that had previously made cars assembling rivets and other parts for guns. She was a part of what’s known as the “Rosie the Riveter” movement during which women went to work in factories to support themselves while the men were away at war. After the war ended, Nonnie Ruth became a nurse and worked at Detroit General Hospital for over 40 years where she cared for the people of Detriot. After retiring as a nurse, she returned home to the town where she was born, raised, and educated—Locust Grove, GA. She also returned to the church that had given her a Christian foundation, and at 99 years old was the oldest member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Ninety-Nine Years of a Life Well-Lived!!! Nonnie Ruth Walker was an independent, self-sufficient woman who devoted her life to helping others. She was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed traveling and had visited Europe, cruised to both Hawaii and Alaska, and ventured on a cross-country trip of the US. She loved and supported her relatives. She enjoyed her church family and spending time with people in the community. Nonnie Ruth Walker transitioned on February 13, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Dr. Geraldine W. Helton, who affectionately cared for her for the past 8 years. She also leaves behind a loving family of nieces and nephews and close friends. Ninety-Nine Years of a Life Well-Lived!!!

Nonnie Ruth Walker

June 21, 1917 - February 13, 2017