John R. Harmon | Tyler, TX

Obituary For Shirley Ann Walker

( April 25, 1946---February 14, 2023 )

FRANKSTON--The Celebration of Life, Love, and Legacy Service for Shirley Ann Walker, 76, of Frankston will be Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11:00 AM at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Chandler with Pastor James E. Jordan, II serving as officiant and Superintendent Gerald Johnson, eulogist. She shall be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co.

Shirley Ann (Bell) Walker, the eldest child, was born April 25, 1946 in Henderson County to the parentage of the late Simon T. Bell and Harriet Davis Straughter. Shirley received her primary education through Pleasant Ridge School and secondary education from Central High School in the Moore Station Community, graduating with the Class of 1964. She was a graduate of Trinity Valley Community College and furthered studies at the University of Texas at Tyler.

Shirley united in the covenant of marriage to Edward Louis Walker and to their union she was the wonderful mother of four children: LaVincent Charles, Jeffrey Don, Waylan Keith, and Erica Shanae. Tremendously blessed, she witnessed generational expansion of their legacy to include grandchildren: TraDerrin, Broderick, Jessica, Johntae, Jai, Keistan, Kahden, Michael, Brittanee, Cliston, Christopher, and Alexis; and great- grandchildren: Honey, Dariyn, Kensley, Trezur, and Addison.

Mother spent her life serving others. No matter who or where she met them, Shirley always served those in need. One of her greatest joys was spending time with family. Many nights and weekends if you were looking for her, she was on the road supporting her grandchildren, or already at an event in honor of her grandchildren. She loved them dearly.

Shirley lived a life dedicated to serving God, her family, and her fellow man. Her Christian walk of faith began at Bethel A. M. E. Church, but once married and beginning her own family moved her membership to Gentry Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastoral leadership of Supt. Matthew Rider and began serving dutifully. While a member there, she attended weekly services including: Y.P.W.W., Prayer and Bible Band, and Y.W.CC. Relocating her membership to Faith Temple #2 Church of God in Christ, Sis. Walker became the Sunday school teacher and church secretary, serving until the declination of her health. Wearing many hats, her voice could be heard serving as Mistress of Ceremony during many afternoon church programs and worked with the Mission Department of the Jacksonville District under Supt. H. P. Jordan. She was not ashamed to give her testimony and would add that she thanked God for a reasonable portion of health and strength. She could always be counted on in the kitchen, and if she ever knew what the guest pastor enjoyed eating, she would make sure she made extra for his keeping. Mother Walker was a member of the Heroines of Jericho, Lily Fair Court #131 in LaRue, TX, serving until her health began failing.

Shirley began working for Curtis Mathis Industries, Athens, TX. With better opportunities for her family, she left and began working at Frankston Packaging Co. until 1978, that’s when she began working with Frankston Independent School District. Continuing in elementary education, Shirley ended her career in the pre-Kindergarten area. Education was very important to Shirley, and she prayed and encouraged all children to get an education. She always taught us the only thing that could not be taken away from you was education. In 2004, she became gainfully retired. She was stern and believed in discipline and still managed to substitute teach until she just didn’t want to be bothered with children any longer. She was the apart of many villages. Once retired, she became an election judge for the City of Coffee City. She served many years, following in the footsteps of her mother.

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023 (Valentine’s Day), God was walking in His garden, looked around and noticed he needed another one of his children to make His garden more complete, so He dispatched angels to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and stationed them at her bedside. At 9:57 PM, Shirley put on her wings, took flight, and peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus with family at her side. The final chapter in the Book of Life for Shirley Ann Walker has been completed, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Shirley is reunited with husband of 53 years, Edward L. Walker; parents: Simon T. Bell and Harriet Davis Straughter; siblings: Linda R. Tilley, LaKeythia Bell, Anthony Davis, and Regus Bell; five sisters-in-love, Bobbie, Katie Nell, Willie Mae, Marie, and Doris; two brothers-in-love, Buddy, and Robert; nephews, Bobby Murray and Edward McDaniel and great- nephew, K’Darius R. Stewart.

A legacy of precious memories will be cherished by her children: LaVincent C. (Alicia) Walker, San Antonio, TX, Jeffrey D. (Ramona) Walker, Houston, TX, Waylan K. (Bridigit) Walker, Woodville, MS, and Erica S. (Dwayne) Walker, Frankston, TX; grandchildren: TraDerrin Walker, Frankston, TX, Broderick Walker, Dallas, TX, Johntae Walker, LaRue, TX, Jessica Anthony, Montgomery, TX, Jai Walker, Houston, TX, Keistan and Kahden Robert both of Frankston, TX; Brittanee Hollins, Cliston, Christopher, and Alexis Catchings all of Woodville, MS; great- grandchildren: Honey C. Walker and Dariyn C. Walker both of Corsicana, TX, Kensley Walker, LaRue, TX, Trezur and Addison of Woodville, MS; lasting memories will remain in the hearts of her siblings, Patricia Thompson and Lucy Bell both of Chandler, TX, Marion (Dexter) Simpson, Tyler, TX, Renaldo (Lerletha) Bell and Regina Bell both of LaRue, TX, and Reginald (Anitra) Bell, DeSoto, TX; one aunt, Alberta Bell, LaRue, TX; sisters-in-love, Debra Davis, Athens, TX; Isom M. (Willie) Wiley, Oakwood, TX, Lillie Murray, Tucker, TX, Gladys Roberts and Dorothy (Edward) Purvis both of Oakwood, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Guest Book

Mrs.Walker was a truly beautiful soul. She always was very kind and always exemplified what it means to be a Christian. Walker family, she was indeed a jewel, and my family will continue lifting you all up in prayer. Humbly and Respectively submitted, Karen Stevenson & Family

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Walker family I am truly sorry to hear about Mrs Walker. I will miss her dearly as she told me a story of my mother and father. It was only once but every word she spoke I hung on every word. I am grateful. Eric and Donna Warren

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- John R. Harmon | Tyler, TX