Elizabeth Walker

Reflections of Life

Elizabeth Walker

December 7, 1939 – September 22, 2026

Elizabeth Walker, affectionately known as “Sweet Liz,” was born December 7, 1939, in Eufaula, Alabama, to the late Lonnie and Lessie M. Davis. The second-oldest sister in her family, Elizabeth attended Van Buren High School in Eufaula. In 1961 she relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where she continued her education at St. Joseph Night School and proudly earned her GED in 1973.

Elizabeth attended Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir for over 50 years. She was a hardworking and independent woman who believed in taking care of herself and her family. Throughout her working years, Elizabeth was employed as a butcher at Shorthorn Meat Market. She worked at Child Development, the Civic Center for a brief time, and later worked at STS Transportation as a bus driver / Dispatcher and Supervisor at STARS for many years until she retired.

Elizabeth was the proud mother of four children: Gwendolyn (John) Brazil, Patricia Ann Walker, Nathaniel B. (Ashley) Walker IV, and Tabitha (Wendell) Petty. As a mother, she taught her children the importance of independence, hard work, standing up for themselves, and always being authentically who they were. Those lessons continued through the generations as her family grew.

Anyone who knew Liz knew that she was truly one of a kind. She was outspoken, sassy, funny, fashionable, and full of life. She loved to dance, travel, cook, eat good soul food, sit outside, and most of all, bring her family together. When Liz hosted a barbecue, 28th Street could quickly fill with cars as family gathered to enjoy her cooking, especially her cakes and banana pudding.

Fashion was another part of Liz’s personality. Her closet held countless suits with matching hats, whether she was wearing a suit, jeans, or a jogging set, there was likely something sparkling somewhere. Black is her favorite color, rhinestones were never in short supply, and her famously long nails were part of her signature look for as long as her family can remember.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Liz could stay on your case one minute and slip $20 into your hand the next. Her grandchildren will remember trips to the Stop & Shop, drinking coffee at 4 years old, sleepovers, late-night meals, car rides, laughter, and countless everyday moments that became treasured memories. She also shared a special companionship with her beloved dog, Snowy Walker who was never far from her heart.

Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memory her seven grandchildren, Kerry A. Drake, Sophia Walker, Kamavi R. Whitlock TEricka E. Cheatham ,Darryl G. Avery Jr. , Nathaniel B. Walker V, and Johnae Walker; eleven great-grandchildren, MiAnjewel Walker, Heaven Green, Deven Clark, Leah Drake, Caleb Drake, Corbin Whitlock, Kamilah Whitlock, TaReik E. Cheatham, Kenzleigh Whitlock, Kason Whitlock and Knox Whitlock, Great Grandog Grizzli Ra’nae Avery. Her sister, Janie Devose and brother Johnny (Ruby) Davis, Robert Denson (New York), and a host of nieces and nephews. She has two bonus daughters, Elfrieda Johnson and Loretta Findley. Bonus grand-kids, Shanda Rollins and Tony Smith Jr. Friends, Synola Harwick, Erma Dean Cooper, Betty Johnson, Cassandra Holmes, and Janie Simmons. 

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Lessie M. Davis; Brothers, Lonnie (Mary) Davis Jr, William(Sara) Davis, Sylvester(Diana) Davis, and Craig Frank Denson. Sisters Addie (Walter) Brutley, and Catherine (John) McClendon. Freddie Johnson, Aunt Lilly Bee Wimbley, Aunt Henretta (John) Hines. Grandog Pepper Davis Walker Cheatham Petty. On September 22, 2026, Elizabeth completed her earthly journey, leaving behind generations of family and a lifetime of memories. Her style, strength, humor, work ethic, and unmistakable personality will live on through those who loved her.

There will never be another Elizabeth Walker.