Eugenia (Gary) Walden

Eugenia Gary Walden was born on October 2nd, 1924, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to the late Lonnie and Mary Eliza Williams Gary. Raised on her family’s farm, she was surrounded by love, discipline, and a deep sense of community. She was brought up alongside her siblings and first cousins and held especially dear the time spent with her Grandmother Mollie Gary, Uncle Nathaniel, Aunt Louise, and her devoted parents.

From an early age, Eugenia embraced her Christian faith. She began her spiritual journey attending Rock-n-Run Sunday School with her grandmother. She was later baptized and became a faithful member of First Baptist Church Hodgestown, where she joined the children’s choir. She remained a devoted choir member throughout her life until relocating to Raleigh eight years ago.

Eugenia’s talents extended far beyond the walls of her church. She was a standout athlete in high school, remembered fondly for her skill as a basketball guard. Known for her ability to shoot from the center line, she was affectionately considered a “female Steph Curry” of her time. She often shared stories of her playing days, including how opposing coaches would shout, “Stay on No. 5!”

After graduating high school, Eugenia helped pave the way for racial integration in Roanoke Rapids. She was one of five Black women from the Hodgestown area who broke barriers by entering the workforce at several shops in downtown Roanoke Rapids. She worked at McCrory’s Five & Dime, located on the corner of Roanoke Avenue and 10th Street. It was during her time there that she met her future husband and soulmate, Oscar Walden, who had recently returned home to Garysburg after serving in World War II, stationed in Italy.

Following their marriage, Eugenia moved to the Garysburg community, where she became an active member of Chapel Grove Baptist Church. Together, she and Oscar were early pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement. They played a vital role in advancing the principles of the Voting Rights Act by organizing voter education and registration classes at their church. Eugenia also worked more than 20 years at the polls in Northampton County, championing civic engagement and voter rights in her community.

Her commitment to service extended beyond activism. Eugenia was a longtime and dedicated member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion Walter Ashe Post 407 in Weldon. She held multiple offices and tirelessly raised funds for the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina. She also helped staff the auxiliary’s booth at the annual Halifax/Northampton County Fall Fair, where she sold food items to benefit local causes.

Believing deeply in the power of education, Eugenia pursued coursework at Roanoke-Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, and Halifax Community College in Weldon. In the 1960s, she was selected as part of the first group of teacher’s aides for the North Carolina Public School System. She went on to serve for more than two decades in the Northampton County Public Schools, holding roles such as teacher’s aide, reading coach, instructional assistant, paraprofessional, and special programs specialist assistant. Her passion for nurturing young minds left a lasting impression—many former students continued to greet her with admiration and gratitude for her encouragement and dedication.

Eugenia’s life was rooted in love, faith, family, and service. She is survived by her children: Linda Anderson of Richmond, Virginia; Dr. Tony Walden (Laraine) of Concord, North Carolina; and Regenia Walden of Raleigh, North Carolina. She also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Christopher Anderson (Dannell) of Moseley, Virginia; Britney Walden Malone (Brett) of Concord, North Carolina; and Gina Boone of New York, New York. Her legacy continues through three great-grandchildren: Briana Anderson of Williamsburg, Virginia; Christal Anderson of Moseley, Virginia; and Harvey Malone of Concord, North Carolina; as well as one cherished great-great-granddaughter, Aria Franklin of Williamsburg, Virginia.

She is also remembered lovingly by first cousins whom she considered siblings: Olivia Carroll, Yvonne Lawrence, Mack Gary, Delores Ann Ransom, and Sharon Finney, all of Baltimore, Maryland. She leaves behind devoted nieces: Carolyn Brigham of Portsmouth, Virginia; Mary Alice Davis Braswell of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Constance Diane Davis Rogers of Newport News, Virginia; Rosalind Burrell of Richmond, Virginia; Lisa Cooper Collins of Petersburg, Virginia; and Melissa Cooper Fennell Daniel of Charlotte, North Carolina. She also leaves a host of beloved cousins, great-nieces, and nephews who were inspired by her life.

Eugenia was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar L. Walden; her parents; her siblings Arlene, James, Mary Lois, and adopted brother Joe Henry; her parents-in-law, Hannis and Bettie Mae Walden; six brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and most recently, her sister-in-law, Pearlie Mae Walden Cooper.

Throughout her 100 remarkable years, Eugenia Gary Walden lived with courage, conviction, and compassion. Her guiding motto was simple yet powerful: tell the truth, be of service, and maintain faith. Her life was a radiant testament to perseverance, purpose, and unconditional love. She touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Walden's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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