Elizabeth Carroll “Bessie” Valentine Walker

Mrs. A. E. Walker

Elizabeth Carroll “Bessie” Valentine Walker (January 27, 1876-November 2, 1965; aged 89). Nicknamed The Queen. Mrs. A. E. Walker served as hostess at the student union for 35 years.

Bessie Carroll Valentine was the daughter of prominent local businessman Robert Poore Valentine and Ida Marie Payne Valentine.

Bessie met her future husband, Albert E. Walker, when he was visiting Charlottesville. A former newspaper writer, A. E. Walker was producing promotional special editions in collaboration with newspapers around the mid Atlantic region. He traveled from city to city, combining profiles of community leaders and businesses with local history and legend to create illustrated editions.

Bessie accompanied her husband on his extended visits to other communities where they lived in hotels as he pursued his unusual career. Their only child, Virginia Valentine Walker, was born in 1909. The Walkers must have considered Charlottesville their permanent home, however, for A. E. Walker invested in real estate locally and was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Redland Club. And it was in Charlottesville, on October 8, 1918, at her father's home on High Street, that her husband died a premature death due to Bright's disease. Mrs. Walker went on to make her own place in our local history, serving for many years as the official hostess at the University of Virginia.

Hired by the University in 1918 to provide a "feminine touch" to the all-male institution, Walker became a key fixture of student life. She hosted afternoon tea every Sunday, chaperoned countless dances at Madison Hall, presided over student union and recreational activities, and served as an all-around advocate and supporter of student activities at the University.

Bessie died on November 2, 1965 and was buried next to her husband in Maplewood Cemetery.