NAOMI P. WALKER
Naomi Ruth Pitts Walker, widow of the Rev. John C. Walker, was called from labor to reward on Feb. 15, 2017, at her home in Sumter.
She was born on March 14, 1925, in Sumter County, a daughter of the late Clayborn and Fannie Pitts. Mrs. Walker was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. She was united in holy matrimony to the Rev. John C. Walker on May 29, 1948. To this union, they were blessed with six children. Mrs. Walker a consummate cook and was employed by Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., Sunset Country Club and Holiday Inn of Sumter. Mrs. Walker distinguished herself as a Christian at an early age. She began her Christian service at St. Paul AME Church, serving faithfully in numerous capacities. After marriage, she joined her husband in service at Unity Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Sumter in 1969, the Rev. and Mrs. Walker continued stellar service at Enon Baptist Church. They later completed their Christian service at New Fellowship Baptist Church. She served in the following ministries: the choir, as an usher, as a missionary, as a deaconess and as a minister's wife. Mrs. Walker was well-known for her hospitality, delicious meals, and her love and dedication for God and her family. She was well-known for her proverbial wisdom and sayings that accompanied them such as, "Baby, you got to take what you have to make what you want. Don't ask God for something else when you are not using what He already gave you."
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children, Audrey (Artie) Williams of Sumter, Joyce Barbara Mack of Bronx, New York, Kathy Renee Ricks of Sumter, the Rev. Ernest (Marlene) Pitts Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina; five brothers, Albert Pitts of Indianapolis, Indiana, the Rev. Ernest (Clara) Pitts Sr. of Maryland, Sam (Rhunetta) Pitts of Sumter, James Reuben (Bernice) Pitts of Sumter and Ervin (Lottie) Pitts of Sumter; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Calvin LaVance Walker and Ricky Rogers Walker; seven brothers, Herbert, Louis, Kernel, Marion, Clayborn, Elijah and Howard; and four sisters, Rachael, Elizabeth, Mae and Julia.
Funeral service will be held at noon on Monday at New Fellowship Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. Dale Edwards, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Sammie D. Simmons, the Rev. Anthony Taylor Sr., the Rev. Ernest Pitts Sr. and the Rev. Dr. Lewis Walker Jr. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
The body will lie in repose from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.
Public viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the chapel of Sumter Funeral Service Inc.
The funeral cortege will leave the home at 11:20 a.m. on Monday.
The family will receive friends at the home, 355 Dechamps Road, Sumter.
Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.