Elvia Walker

Elvia Norris Walker of Raleigh, NC, age 82, transitioned peacefully with her daughter by her side on September 29, 2022.  Elvia was born on July 24, 1940 to the late James and Clara Norris in Raleigh, NC.  She was preceded in death by her brother Herbert Frank Taylor, sister Georgia Matthews, and her late husband Staff Sergeant Thomas Walker, US Army.  

Elvia was a graduate of J. W. Ligon, High School Class of 1958, received her Bachelor of Arts from Shaw University in 1962, and graduated Cum Laude with her Masters in Education from North Carolina Central University in 1990.  Elvia was a hard worker, loved kids, and excelled in her career as an educator.  Her first teaching job was at Fuquay Varina Consolidated School from 1963-1970, and then at the newly formed Fuquay Varina High School for two more years.  She then returned to her old high school, which was then changed to J.W. Ligon Middle School where she taught gifted and talented students for six years.  Then in 1978 Elvia was afforded the opportunity to become an assistant principal at Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC.  She excelled in this role nurturing and preparing students for life after high school.  She was a cheerleader for all students and won the respect and hearts of many.  Elvia loved Broughton and the Broughton family loved her.  After serving in that role for 14 years Elvia was selected to become Principal of West Cary Middle School.  As usual, she won the hearts of many and created a climate of excellence for not only students, but staff as well.  Just as Elvia thought her career in education was coming to an end after retiring from Wake County Schools, she was once again chosen for the role as Executive Director for the Richard Milburn Alternative School Program.  This program contracted with Wake County Schools to provide middle and high school students on long term suspension an opportunity to complete their studies.  What a cheer leader she was for those forgotten or written off.  Again, she made such a name for herself that she became a southern regional director for Richard Milburn.

Elvia was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She was one of three initiated by the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter on May 19, 1973. She loved her sorority and served in various capacities over the years.  It was no surprise when her daughter, Lin wanted to pledge at North Carolina Central University.  So she prepared her for the experience.  On April 4, 1985, Elvia pinned her daughter as a newly inducted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For as much as Elvia loved her career, she loved her family even more.  Always encouraging and making sure her family members and friends felt loved and special.  She was always sought after to counsel, to direct, and help others.  If there was someone that could make it happen…it was Elvia.  Even during the years while in assisted living she made a name for herself and everyone knew and did what Ms. Walker said!  Elvia was a confidante and friend to many, but nothing and no one was more special than her only daughter Lin.  They were joined at the hip, living, loving, and experiencing life together along with her son-in law Art, and her grandsons Thomas and Kevin.  Nana and Mama-Sookie, as she was affectionately called, was part of it all from weekends and outings with her boys, baseball games, church events, family trips, first cars, college graduations, celebrations, trips abroad, and her favorite place…New York City.  She often said “enjoy your life and make memories.”  She experienced it all even while her health declined.  Her family made sure of that as they made their memories!

Elvia leaves to cherish her beloved only daughter, Linnetta Walker Threatt and her loving, Son in-law, Art Threatt of Knightdale, NC; Grandsons, Thomas Walker Threatt of Raleigh, NC and Kevin James Threatt of Durham, NC; great Granddaughter, Trinity Hughes Threatt (Tasha) and Brother, James O. Norris, Jr. (Evelyon) of Plymouth, MI; Brother-in-Law, Edward Walker (Julia) of Tampa, FL and a host of relatives & friends.  

Special acknowledgements to Blanchie Stevenson, Spring Arbor of Raleigh, and the many caregivers that supported our family over the years; the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Oak City Baptist Church Family, Richard Jones Printing, Tony McFarland and the Lea Funeral Home Staff.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation honoring Elvia Walker to the Alzheimer’s Association in Raleigh, NC.

Public Viewing:  12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Lea Funeral Home.

Funeral Service:  11:00 AM, Friday, October 7, 2022 at Lea Funeral Home Chapel, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Omega Omega Service:  10:00 AM, Friday, October 7, 2022, prior to the visitation.

Visitation:  10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, preceding the funeral service at the chapel.

Interment:  Raleigh National Cemetery, Raleigh, NC.

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