Walker Foundation gift inspired by love for Mississippi

The dedication to Mississippi that has inspired Gloria Walker’s lifetime of volunteerism has resulted in a significant donation from the Walker Foundation to the Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  

The gift will go toward CCRI’s It’s About Time Campaign, a philanthropic drive to raise $125 million to help fund construction of a new and first of its kind, state-of-the-art Jackson cancer center that will benefit the entire state. More than $60 million has been raised to build the 250,000-square-foot facility, which will be a site that brings under one roof world-class, patient-centered care, groundbreaking research and clinical trials. 

“I love Mississippi, and I’m so proud of our state,” said Walker, a Mobile, Alabama, native who has been a volunteer with the Mississippi Museum of Art, the American Cancer Society and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral for decades. “The Walker Foundation is so excited to be able to do this, and it is my great joy. There is a need for this cancer center in Mississippi, and I am happy we can help.” 

The experiences of being a cancer patient and losing loved ones to cancer also motivated the donation. 

“I lost my mother to cancer when I was 15,” Walker said. “My uncle died of cancer, my grandmother died of cancer, and my aunt and cousins have had cancer. My husband died of leukemia, and I have had breast cancer. Cancer affects so many families in Mississippi, which is why we need this cancer center.” 

Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and CCRI director, said he’s deeply grateful to the Walker family and the Walker Foundation for their significant donation and belief in the mission to improve cancer outcomes in Mississippi. 

“This gift is not only an investment in the future of cancer care and research at UMMC — it’s a testament to the power of compassion and community,” he said. “Mrs. Walker’s love for Mississippi and her strength in the face of cancer truly inspire us. Her generosity will help us bring better care, greater hope, and life-saving research to families right here at home.” 

Part of CCRI’s mission is earning National Cancer Institute designation, which will enhance treatment options for Mississippians and expand cancer research at UMMC. Nationwide, 73 NCI-designated centers are in operation. As the state’s only academic medical center, UMMC is uniquely positioned as the only Mississippi entity capable of meeting the rigorous research, education and infrastructure requirements for NCI designation. 

Walker and her husband, the late William E. Walker, worked together in business ventures ranging from Bill’s Dollar Stores to timber through the Walker Companies and in community work including the creation of the Walker Foundation. 

“My career has been volunteering,” she said. Among her missions are more than 30 years as a Mississippi Museum of Art volunteer and benefactor, chairing the museum’s board of directors twice and dedicating a garden there to her husband’s memory. 

She has also served on the boards of directors for the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, Goodwill Industries, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Mississippi Children’s Home Society and was an active member of the Junior League of Jackson. She co-chaired inaugural activities for former Gov. Haley Barbour. 

Walker has served multiple terms on the vestry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Jackson and has led a weekly Bible study for more than 30 years. 

The Walker Foundation's focus areas include Midtown Partners and Midtown Charter School in Jackson. 

Her faith as well as a love for Mississippi’s families – shown through the Walker Foundation’s philanthropy as well as in Walker’s volunteerism – forged a mission to help improve cancer care in the state.  

“I think Mississippi is the best place to live, and I want the people of this state to have the cancer care they need close to home,” she said. “This will be such a wonderful addition to the medical field and to Mississippi.”