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Obituary For Mary Gardner Walker-Crooks
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.
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REFLECTION: Praise be to Father God, who took our dear sister, Mary, to our heavenly home. She is experiencing joy and the loving warmth from King Jesus. She is surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ who fell asleep before her. She is also reunited with her earthly family members and loved ones. We remember your faith and hold fast that we will see you again.
--> Donna L. Powers, Sister-in-Law
It's been two years today sweetie, yet the memories of our beautiful life together stick with me still. Your love and commitment will forever warm my soul. Crooks
I missed you this past year and will miss you until we are together. Crooks
Mrs. Robena Flakes and the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church family would like to express our sincerest condolences to the Walker and Crooks family. Sis. Mary Crooks was very special to Mrs. Flakes and was a wonderful friend to have. Sis. Mary Crooks and Mrs. Robena Flakes worked in the school system together for many years at Reese Road Elementary School. Mrs. Flakes would like to express gratitude for the many years they shared together. May she rest in God's loving arms.
Dearest brother Kenneth Crooks and the entire family of your loving wife, Mary G: We are sending love and condolences as you celebrate her life and remember Mary G's many accomplishments and her beautiful and generous spirit. We love and will miss Mary G deeply. Sister Cynthia (Cyd) Crooks Carpenter and family (and on behalf of sister Sylvie Crooks Wunderlich and family and sister Nella Crooks Jenkins and family).
Mary G. Crooks was a committed member of Spencer High School Class of 1959.We have so many precious memories of our friend and classmate that we hold dear to our hearts. During the Christmas Holidays Mary G would let us have our class Christmas celebrations in her facility. She always extended a warm welcome to the class, which made us feel very special. Thanks to Mr. Crooks for bringing Mary G to our 60th High School Class Reunion. She was ale to share Class Day and our Banquet with classmates. To God be the Glory for the great things He has done. Ismus B. Borom, Secretary
Mom, we have you as an Angel whose name we know. I will forever be guided by your wisdom, spiritual devotion, humor, brilliance and bold determination. The lessons you taught me are tattoos on my heart. We love you dearly and Always. Your "ladybug" D.
My condolences to you and your family Ken. Peace and Blessings to you 🙏! I will always keep Mary's memories alive. Richard Yancey, Columbus Ga.
Ken my sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife Mary. She was a real sweetheart and friend. My prayers are with you. Peace and Blessings!
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, Mary. May her memories remain strong in the hearts and minds of those she touched, and may she Rest In Peace in the arms of the Lord....May God Bless....Christine and Bob Perry....Columbus, GA
Dear Ken and family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife Mary. May she rest in God's loving arms. Anita Green
Dear Ken, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife Mary. May she rest in God's loving arms. Anita Green, Atlanta
Mary G. carried the Gardner's banner well. She held it high for all to see with the confidence that it will not fall. Mary's earthly accomplishments is a testament of that fact. When we were growing up, I thought Mary was going to be a lawyer because she was always debating about something. Always, proving her point of view with many facts and examples, at a young age, was an amazing attribute to me. She was a quick thinker and smart. In school, Mary's academics excellence was a measuring stick for all to emulate and it was difficult for me to obtain and sustain that high standard of excellence. Mary, as well as the rest of us, was instilled with the mindset to be the best at what you do, helping others is a virtue, love of family is paramount, and put God ahead of everything else that you think is important. She held steadfast to those mandates. Although, I have many stories to tell about Mary, but in the end Mary had one more, her own, brilliantly communicated in her obituary. WELL DONE, I SALUTE YOU!!! Mary is now in the company of Uncle Neal, Aunt Fannie, Neal Jr., Fannie G., George, Baker, and all the elders who are celebrating her arrival with open arms, songs, and music. Mary, my cousin, keep on dancing and be assured that your spirit will live on through all of us, especially through your immediate and expanded family members. Cousin Pokey (Curtis Lee Gardner, Major, USAF(ret.))
Rip
Condolences to the Walker-Crooks family
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends for their loss. May you find the comfort that only God can give during your time of sorrow. Revelation 21:3,4 Albert&Darlene C: Jackson, Ga
Mary G ,I will truly miss you !!!! You were more than a cousin to me ,you were another one of my sisters! Thank you for being their when I truly needed a friend! Sonny Boy
My dearest Mrs. Mary G. Walker AKA "Mary G." gave my family an opportunity to dwell in her property in 2000 upon our move in Columbus Ga from Albany, Ga. I was given the opportunity again to work with her 7 years as her Office Manager again AKA "her secretary" as she'd always say lol. My experience with her taught me how to manage,be dedicated, stylish, a dreamer, etc. She really loved her family & I'm grateful to have been apart. Until her departure, I've still been apart for 20 yrs. My prayers are with the family & Mr. Crooks that God will grant them Peace. Rest in Peace Mary G...I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER Elaine
We the Pastor and Members of Faith and Deliverance Tabernacle of God Church located in East Providence RI send our heartfelt Prayers and Expression of Sympathy to Mr. Kenneth Crooks, Jr. and family on the Homegoing of your Wife and Loved One Mrs. Mary Gardner Walker-Crooks. Your family member Missionary Barbara Jolly is a member of our church. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal." May you be comforted by these words and in knowing that we will all see our Loved Ones again. But at present she is resting Eternally in the Arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanking God for her Labor of Love.
Bishop Patricia B. Smith, Pastor
To Mr. Kenny Crooks Deanna Larry, Faith and my dear friend Pam. You are in my prayers. Mary taught me many things she imparted wisdom in every conversation we had. She taught me how to love life, and to be a great woman of God by the life she lived. For this I will be grateful, We will have to surround each other with love like Mrs. Mary Walker Crooks did, Stay strong because she love each of you so much. Debra Owens
Mary G. you brought so much joy, light, and support to Ken and the Urban League wives when we would gather or I would talk to you on the phone. Blessing to you! Mrs. Ernest Cooper
The family is is my prayers and may God comfort each of you. Mary G. served as a mentor to me. She and her family became my family. We will always cherish the memories, laughter and love shared. Find comfort in our Heavenly Father Words. Wylee Toms and Family, Faith Home for Girls Inc -Columbus Georgia
Mary G was a true blessing. Her loving spirit, honesty, integrity and desire to live life the right way was the ultimate example we should all learn from. Kenny Crooks
SOMEONE so special will live in our harts and minds forever. Mary G, my dear friend, was such a loving and caring person. We attended Spencer High School and we both played Alto Saxophone in the Band. Condolences to Kenneth, Children, Grandchildren and all family and friends. Gertrude Pierce Rhea
Mary G became an instant member of our extended family in 1996. Her upbeat, enthusiastic positive attitude was infectious! We will cherish fond memories of her and her strong devotion of love for her husband. May she rest in peace.
Will love you forever Sweetie. Will be your husband "Crooks" always.
Well Done Thy good and Faithful Servant;You have Truly Earned your Wings!!! I Love you my sweet "Auntie" Ms Jereall "Pam" Gardner
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
