Ella Mae Gordon Walker, 78, of Welaka, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at LakeWood Nursing Center in Crescent City following an extended illness. She was a native of Welaka and a lifelong resident of Putnam County born Monday, September 12, 1932 to Alice Israel and David Buster Gordon. She was educated in the Putnam County School District and was a 1952 graduate of Central Academy High School. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. P. H. Frison. She was also a former member of the Morning Star Baptist Church, East Palatka where she was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Rufus Walker. She became a member of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Pierson and served faithfully as Mother of the church until declining health prevailed. For many years, Ella Mae served as a Lady Attendant consoling countless families with D.A. Boyd & Sons Funeral Home, Palatka and Burrells Funeral Home, Crescent City. She was employed by the former Hilltop Nursing Home, Palatka and subsequently retired from the former Lakeshore Nursing Home now Lakewood Nursing Center in Crescent City as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later as a dietitian.

From the early age of 18, she became affiliated with the Order of Eastern Star. Sister Ella Mae Walker, 33rd degree, served with emphatic dedication until she was physically unable to serve.

She was considered by many to be one of the most well versed leaders in the O.E.S. She served in numerous chapters and was a member of Frances Chapter #140 O.E.S., Starke. Previous affiliations include: president of Royal Grand Chapter, O.E.S of Florida Floral Star (Ruth); 2nd Vice grand matron of the Royal Grand Chapter O.E.S of Florida; 1st vice grand matron of Daughters of Sphinx; Grand District Deputy of Royal Grand Chapter O.E.S of Florida, District 3B; Worthy Matron of Evergreen Chapter #222 O.E.S of Welaka; Heroines of Jericho. In addition to her parents; brothers, Aaron Gordon & Clifford Gordon, preceded her in eternal rest.

To cherish her memories: devoted husband of 29 years, Deacon Rufus Walker, Welaka; beloved son and daughter, Leslie Les Johnson (Alicia Miller) Jacksonville and Evangelist Rosemary Flowers (James Nealy), Welaka; brother, David Watson; As a daughter, Phyllis Flowers; As a son, Alvin Givens; Step-sons, William Calvester Smith, Charles Broughton (Barbara), James L. Pugh; Step-daughters, Cindy Murphy, Barbara Smith; 6 Grandchildren; 14 Great Grandchildren; 1 great great grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and caring friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday (today) at the Chapel of Serenity (O.E.S. Ceremony at 7 p.m. Wednesday).

Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 23 at Mt Zion Primitive Baptist Church, 1501 Bronson St., Palatka, Elder J.C. Tookes, Pastor. Rev. Leroy Lovett, pastor of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church, is the eulogist.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo.