- Date Of Birth: August 12, 1930
- Date Of Death: December 30, 2018
- State: North Carolina
Ms. Lela Walker Barrow, formerly of Raleigh, NC, daughter of the late Isaac “Zeke” Walker and Alice Peterson Walker, was born on August 12, 1930 in Sumter, South Carolina. She was the eldest of five children and was predeceased by brothers, Elijah “Bubba” Walker and Dr. Moses S. Walker. She was also predeceased by companion and friend, Grover Dean. She went home to be with her Master on December 30, 2018 in Columbia, MD.
Lela moved with her family to Raleigh, NC in the late 1930’s. She graduated from Washington High School in 1948. After graduating from high school, she matriculated at Saint Augustine’s College (now University) where she majored in Physical Education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952. Lela later went on to earn the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University. With more than 31 years of exemplary service, she retired from the District of Columbia Public School System.
Through her union with the late Plummer Barrow, her only child, Donica Selene was born. Lela cherished being a mother. She doted on her granddaughter, Cierra, whom she affectionately called, “Sweetie.” Lela loved the Lord and faithfully served Him, her church and community. During her youth, she was a member of St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, NC. After moving to Maryland, she became a member of Israel Metropolitan CME Church, Washington, DC, where she served faithfully in many capacities. Lela was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc. Prior to failing health, she was an active member of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter and was a Diamond Life Member. She recently celebrated 25 years in her beloved Sorority.
Lela leaves to cherish the memories of her life; daughter, Donica Selene Barrow Sutton of Laurel, MD; granddaughter, Cierra Sutton of Laurel, MD; sister, Eloise Walker Copeland (Albert) of Washington, DC; brother, James Isaac Walker (Barbara) of Raleigh, NC; sisters-in-law, Carolyn High Walker of Fayetteville, NC and Nancy Maccormack of Silver Spring, MD; godson, Jurelle Turner of Upper Marlboro, MD; nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. Also cherishing her memory is her lifelong best friend, Mrs. Loreece Basnight (Gurney) of Columbia, MD, whom they affectionately called one another, “Cuttie”
