The Beautiful, Lively, Vivacious, Effervescent and Iconic Mary G. has left the stage. She leaves a vacancy that will never truly be filled in our hearts and lives. Mary G., you gave us the blessing of the long goodbye, in your infinite compassion, hoping to lessen the tears we cry. Your feisty nature and business savvy were equally balanced by your infinite compassion and generosity. We love you and will miss you always. December 8th will never be the same again. Mary G. Walker-Crooks was born on November 20, 1941 in the East Highland neighborhood of Columbus, Georgia to the late Neal and Fannie Gardner. She slipped quietly away on the morning of December 8, 2020, 18 days after her birthday. Mary grew up in Columbus attending Pou Street, Claflin and Spencer High School where she graduated with honors in 1959. She entered Spelman College on a full academic scholarship and graduated with honors in 1963. She then earned her Master’s of Education Degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1970, also with honors. A consummate scholar, she continued her education in Administration and Supervision at Stanford University, The University of Georgia, and Georgia State University while progressing through the School System of Atlanta Public Schools, facilitating workshops, writing and developing curriculum for other teachers, and designing testing modules for graduating seniors. As a teacher in an inner city school, she was known as a task master who made sure that every 1st grade child she taught, could read and comprehend at a high level before leaving her class. She then took her vast talents to Columbus, Georgia, where she taught at Reese Road Elementary School. Her ambitions were limitless, and in 1984, she became the first black woman in Columbus to own a real estate brokerage, the eponymous Mary G. Walker Realty Company. Her career was punctuated by many honors and accolades, including Who’s Who in American Education, Teacher of the Year, a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and numerous awards celebrating her service to her community as an educator and entrepreneur. Her life was above all else, God centered. A faithful and obedient child of God throughout her life, she was an active member of the Fourth Street Baptist Church in Columbus, where she became lifelong friends with pastor Reverend Johnny H. Flakes and First Lady Robena Flakes. During her time at Fourth Street, she poured her passion for education into the Children’s Ministry, managing the Oratorical Contests at the Baptist Conventions and driving her students to win several First Place prizes. She also lent her abundant gift for language to many young preachers whom she coached in the art of rhetoric. Mary G. met and married Kenneth Crooks, Jr in 1996 and the two became inseparable thereafter. In 2013, after three successful decades in business, Mary G. closed her real estate company and moved with her husband to the Hammond Glen Senior Community in Sandy Springs, Georgia. She spent her last year at Vernon Springs Memory Care where she was beloved by caregivers for her jubilant spirit and love of dancing. In addition to her devoted husband Kenneth, those who are left to honor her memory, while missing her presence are: Her loving and devoted children, Larry N. Walker Jr., and DeAnna Dawn; Five grandchildren Larry N. Walker III, Jeremy D. Walker, Zoziah Mays, Sage M. Adams, Summer L. Peaches; One great-grandson Asher A. Adams; Two nieces Jereall L. Gardner, Faith J. Hutchinson; One nephew Shawn Lamar Ford; One daughter-in-law, Shelley Crooks-Michael and one son-in-law Kenneth Crooks III; Legions of other devoted family, dedicated friends, and countless loved ones and admirers. We love and adore you Mary G., obviously a Heavenly She-Boss was needed, and like always, you answered the call. We will miss you and keep you in our hearts eternally.

Visitation: 9:00AM to 1:00 PM December 12, 2020 Willie Watkins Mortuary 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30310

Graveside: 3:00 PM December 12, 2020 Green Acres Cemetery 1485 Schatulga Rd. Columbus, GA 31907

In lieu of flowers, please make your contribution to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center 1762 Clifton Rd. NE., Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30322

NOTE: All Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulations apply

Due to the spread of COVID-19, we are requesting that everyone please wear a mask.

Services entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, (404)-758-1731.