Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this guest post are those of the guest author.
On July 23rd, Maryland pro-life leader Jay Walton unexpectedly and tragically passed away. Jay is survived by his wife Susan Walton, his daughters Jade Xiao Walton, Silver Xiao Walton, his parents James and Patricia Walton, his brothers Daniel Bevars Jr., and Michael Walton.
Jay had spent the past weekend with his family at the 40 Days for Life Leadership symposium in Kissimmee, Florida. He was eager to continue his pro-life work in Maryland.
Professionally, Jay was piano tuner and taught music classes at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. However, I got to know Jay because of our mutual interest in pro-life activism. He was a great friend and a great pro-life activist. Jay had infectious enthusiasm and was truly a happy warrior for life. Overall, whether it was running the 40 Days for Life campaign in Lutherville, MD, testifying before the Maryland State Legislature on a pro-life issue, or starting a Maryland Right to Life chapter in Baltimore, Jay was always eager to build a culture of life.
Photo via Michael J. New (Jay Walton is second from left)
One of my favorite stories involving Jay took place earlier this summer. The pastor at St. Anthony Padua parish near Catholic University of America gave me permission to organize a pro-life table outside his church during a Sunday street fair. I wanted some volunteers to help me run the table and one of the people I called was Jay. Jay willingly and enthusiastically gave up a good part of his Sunday to assist me. He made a long trip from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., to spend a few hours helping me run a pro-life street fair table during a hot day. That tells you the kind of person Jay was.
After I heard of Jay’s passing, I read the last email message he sent to his Luthervillle, Maryland, 40 Days for Life team. Jay was disappointed with turnout during Lutherville’s spring 2023 40 Days for Life campaign. He thought local churches should have been more supportive. He also thought some people were reluctant to come and pray because of how they would be perceived by others. He finished his email by saying “we should be less concerned with what PEOPLE think about us and more concerned with what JESUS thinks about us.” Wise words to consider as we continue our efforts to build a culture of life.
Photo via Michael J. New. Pictured: Michael New (L) and Jay Walton (R)
Jay Walton was a devout Catholic. He was also a devoted husband and father. He was an excellent pro-life activist in state that is
politically difficult for pro-lifers. He will certainly be missed. Rest in Peace.
Michael J. New is an Assistant Professor of Practice at The Catholic University of America and a Senior Associate Scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. He helps coordinate sidewalk counseling efforts outside the Washington, D.C. Planned Parenthood. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_J_New.
Author’s Note: Readers who are interested in assisting Jay Walton’s family financially can make a donation at the following website: https://www.givesendgo.com/Jay
