Ernestine Bishop Walker, affectionately known as “Whizzie” to family and friends, died January 22, 2015, at the age of 90.  Born on Oct. 3, 1924, in Drew, MS, she was a child of the Great Depression and then World War II.  She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 49 years, William Harrison “Dub” Walker, and her oldest son, Richard “Ricky” Walker.  She is survived by her daughter, Barbara “Babs” Clark, and her husband of 52 years, Lloyd Clark, who was much more a son than a son-in-law, and son William “Rip” Walker, Jr. and his wife Emmye; six grandchildren, Scottie and Brady (Ana) Clark, and Dax, Jesse, and Milton Walker, and Chelsea (John) Emerson; four great grandchildren, Walker, Will, Connor, and Katelyn Clark; and one brother, Clark “Ham” Bishop, all of whom she passionately loved and cared for.

She was one of six children, four brothers and a sister, and the daughter of Ernest and Birdie Bishop.  She grew up on the Brooks Plantation outside of Drew, MS, and then lived in the community of Wade, also outside of Drew, until moving with her family to Cleveland in 1962, where she resided for the remainder of her life in the family home.

Whizzie was first and foremost a devoted a wife and mother.  She retired from the English Department of Delta State University in 1980.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, along with other civic organizations.  She was a voracious reader who could discuss world history and politics, sports, and most any other subject with ease.  She was a kind, grateful, gracious person with a sharp wit and delightful sense of humor.  She was the epitome of a genteel Southern lady, simply an extraordinary woman who will be intensely and mournfully missed by the many who loved her.

Visitation will be at Ray Funeral Home from 1pm until 2p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015.  Funeral services will be 2p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Ray Funeral Home, Cleveland, MS.  Burial will follow in the Drew Cemetery in Drew, MS.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Scottie and Brady Clark, and Dax and Milton Walker, and nephew, Gene Bishop, and his son Brian Bishop.  Honorary pallbearers will be great grandsons Walker, Will, and Connor Clark.

To view and sign online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net