News Summary
The St. Petersburg community is grieving the death of Mordecai Walker, a dedicated educator and historical figure, who passed away at 101. A funeral service will be held on September 6. Walker was known for his significant contributions to education and civil rights, playing a pivotal role in developing agricultural programs and advocating for social equity in the community.
St. Petersburg – The community of St. Petersburg is mourning the loss of Mordecai Walker, a lifelong educator and significant historical figure, who passed away at the age of 101 on August 17. His funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Progressive Church.
Walker was known for his extensive contributions to the St. Petersburg community and his efforts in documenting his life experiences. He was born on July 4, 1924, in Citrus Park, approximately 20 miles northeast of Tampa. From an early age, Walker displayed an inclination for hard work and education, working on a farm at the age of six for 15 cents a day. His childhood achievement of winning a blue ribbon for a coleus plant at the 1931 Florida State Fair highlighted his exceptional horticultural skills.
By the age of 13, Walker had made significant strides in real estate, purchasing his first piece of property while working for a prominent investor. After completing high school in 1943, he attended African American institutions like Bethune-Cookman College, where he encountered influential figures including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune.
After college, Walker was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and sustained an injury during combat. Upon returning from military service, he graduated from Tennessee State University in 1951, where he wrote a prize-winning essay comparing baseball player Jackie Robinson with boxer Joe Louis. During his college years, he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, ultimately being a founding member of the Eta Rho Chapter in 1962.
Walker devoted over 30 years of his life to teaching and played a key role in developing agricultural programs in schools across Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. He made important contributions to the integration of schools in Pinellas County, particularly at Southside Junior High. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as he also served on the finance committee at First Baptist Institutional Church, which faced challenges due to redevelopment.
In 1979, the construction of Interstate 275 resulted in the displacement of Walker’s family from their home, an event that left them undercompensated. As a Realtor in his later years, Walker continued to be actively involved in community affairs, passionately advocating for education and civil rights. His lifetime of service earned him multiple accolades and widespread recognition.
U.S. Representative Kathy Castor honored Walker’s significant contributions to the community and history in a formal recognition included in the Congressional Record. His legacy as an educator and advocate for social equity has left an indelible mark on the community.
Walker is survived by his sons, Andrew Walker and Edward Stevenson, along with numerous relatives and friends who continue to cherish his memory. Before the funeral, a wake will be held on September 5 from 6-7 p.m. at Sanchez Rehoboth Funeral Home, allowing the community an opportunity to pay their respects.
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HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Community Honors Legacy of Educator Mordecai Walker
Additional Resources
- FL Courier: Mordecai Walker, St. Pete Educator and Realtor, Dies at 101
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- The Weekly Challenger: The Life and Times of Mordecai Mr. Walker
- Google Search: Mordecai Walker
- FL Courier: State Will Work to Eliminate Childhood Vaccine Mandates
- Google Scholar: Education and Community Engagement
- FL Courier: HBCU Football Season in Florida Returns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- TBN Weekly: Local News on Mordecai Walker
- Google News: Mordecai Walker St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
