Walton J. Breckenridge, affectionately known as “Breck” was born in Raleigh County, West Virginia to Walton and Beulah Johns Breckenridge. There he attended two years of public school before he and his family migrated to Washington, D.C., where he attended D.C. Public Schools, graduating from Dunbar High School. After high school, Walton enrolled in Miner Teachers College where he crossed the burning sands in the Beta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in May, 1955.
Breck’s undergraduate studies were suspended when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a Pharmacist Specialist for four years. Upon receiving an honorable discharge he completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Union University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education in June, 1963.
While attending Virginia Union, Breck met and married the love of his life Georgia L. Wilson of Cullen, Virginia who preceded him in death. This union was blessed with two gorgeous daughters, India R. Breckenridge and Tia M. Breckenridge.
Walton received a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the Federal City College (now the University of the District of Columbia). He has also completed post graduate studies at Virginia Tech, The University of Virginia, and Harvard University.
Walton Breckenridge accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Carmel Baptist Church by the late Reverend, Dr. William H. Jernagin. At Mt. Carmel, he served as a Trustee, was ordained as a Deacon and sang beautifully in several of the church choirs. He remained a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
Breck was a great fisherman and fishing was one of his favorite pastimes. He led a summer fishing ministry for the children and members of Mt. Carmel which culminated in a chartered boat trip with more than 30 Carmelites reeling in the fish. He would regularly share the catch of the day with his church family and friends. He was a devoted and loyal family man and friend.
He leaves treasured memories to be cherished by his daughters, India Renee and Tia Marie of Ft. Washington, MD; sister, India Tucker, of Washington, DC; brother, Charles Diggs and his wife Mary Diggs of Arlington, MA; brother-in-law’s; Claiborne Wilson of Cullen, VA; Thomas Wilson of Washington, DC; and Murray Cooley of Frederick, MD; sister-in-law, Myrtle Wilson of Darlington Heights, VA; a devoted nephew Bruce Breckenridge; devoted nieces, Roslyn Cooley-Prayer of Mt. Airy, MD; Yolanda Nelson of Monroe, NY; Kylie Cox of Hyattsville, MD; along with a host of relatives and friends. Fond memories are shared by Nyia & Noah Cummings who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa”.
Print
