Dorothy Terri Walker

Dorothy, known by all of her friends as Terri, was born to Jessie & Dewey Springer, Sr. in Sylacauga, Alabama. Terri was the youngest of the four siblings, Nina Abercrombie, Mildred Fox and Dewey Springer, Jr. Her parents and each of her siblings predeceased her. Terri leaves behind to mourn, Nina’s children Cheryl and Deandre; Mildred’s children Carolyn, Lary (Denise), Frieda (Rev. Dr. Otha Gilyard) and Veneda; Dewey’s children Sonya, Valerie, Rickey, Carl, and Marsha. She also leaves a host of grand and great-grand nieces, nephews and cousins and lifelong friends. After the death of her mother, Terri moved to Cleveland at a very young age to live with her older sibling, Nina. After completing high school, and taking college classes, Terri completed cosmetology school. While working as a hair stylist, she graduated from a charm and modeling school. She worked as a model for two of Cleveland’s finest department stores and was on local television. Terri was eventually noticed by members of Ebony Fashion Fair and was offered a position as a model. She was well-received by patrons of the Ebony Fashion Fair. She was the very first model of a darker hue and was affectionately called “The Black Stallion”. She modeled from 1959-1964 and then became a fashion coordinator and cosmetics consultant for Ebony. In 1972, Terri met and married the man she loved, Dr. Watson Walker and moved to Columbus, Ohio. Terri and Watson prospered in Columbus until Watson’s transition. She was a member of social clubs the Charms and the Sophisticates, as well as a member on the board of the King Art Complex. Terri truly loved life, her family and friends and loved entertaining. She exuded charm and sophistication in everything she encountered in life. Her smile was disarming, and her laugh was sincere. She always bubbled with enthusiasm and was a true lady. Terri’s cooking was gourmet level and made all who dined at her home go back for seconds. She will be sincerely missed by all who knew her poise, charm, smile and sweetness of being. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the King Arts Complex.