Members of the Newton County MHV Club, local officials, friends and relatives gathered at the MSU Extension office in Decatur Friday to celebrate longtime MHV club member and community volunteer Johnnie May Walker as she turned 100 years old.
Walker, born in 1919, has served the community for over 65 years, volunteering her time to help civic groups, clubs, school events, churches and more. Extension agent Katrina McCalphia, who helps oversee the MHV club, said Walker was one of the first people to greet her when she first came to Newton County over 10 years ago. She said Walker was one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, always ready to help out wherever and whenever she could.
“I just respect Miss Johnnie Mae, and I love her so much,” she said.
Walkers son, Walter, said his mother’s life of volunteer service started in the 1940s, “’45 or ’46, somewhere in there,” when she moved to Newton County. Shortly after moving, he said, she joined what was then known as the Homemaker’s Demonstration Club. She has been giving her time to civic clubs and causes ever since.
“We’re proud of her,” he said.
Throughout her 65 years of service, Johnnie Mae Walker has volunteered with the Mississippi Homemakers, Newton County 4-H, Newton County Community Club and MHV club among others, holding leadership positions in many of the organizations.
Friday’s gathering, drawing members from many clubs, civic organizations, the MSU Extension Service and Newton County government, each with a story to tell about their interactions with Walker, testified to the impact of her dedication to Newton County.
Chancery Clerk George Hayes said Walker, “treated me like family for all these years.”
Asked by the crowd what the secret to her longevity was, Walker said simply, “Work and do all you can.”
Walker said she felt driven to help with the 4-H, help the children of Newton County and do everything she was able to do to support her community. At 100 years old, Walker admitted she couldn’t do as much as she once could, but she isn’t done yet.
“I’m going to go as long as I can and do all I can do while I can do it,” she said. “As long as I can do, I’m going to go and do it.”
