Betty M. Walker, 93, passed away peacefully April 25, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family and friends. Betty graduated from Glenmora High School in Louisiana at the top of her class. She graduated Northwestern State University in 1952 in Natchitoches, La. with a degree in Home Economics. She was awarded a scholarship at the University of Tennessee to continue her studies. In Knoxville, she met the love of her life, James Ward Walker, whom she later married. She earned her Master’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations.

Betty taught at Sulphur High School in Calcasieu Parish, La. Later, she worked as a professor at McNeese State University and was Director over the preschool and kindergarten programs.

Throughout her career, she was involved in LACUS (Louisiana Association of Children under Six) and served as President in 1971. She had an impact and made a difference in the lives of many children, students and parents throughout her successful career.

Upon retiring, Betty and Ward moved to Wolf Creek, Tenn., Ward’s beloved childhood home.

Betty’s love of history started her involvement in the Culture and Preservation Society of Del Rio serving as President and overseeing the construction of a new facility. She also served on the Cocke County Museum Board of Directors sharing the history of Wolf Creek.

Betty’s love of the beautiful grounds of Wolf Creek motivated her involvement in the East Tennessee Daylily Society. The very first time, she entered the East Tennessee Regional Daylily Society Annual Show, she won first place out of 200 entries! She commented, “It takes guts to enter the competition with so many wonderful entries and truly an honor to get a blue ribbon.” She was also a member of the Western NC Daylily Society. She also was a member of the American Boxwood Society and took many annual trips with the family learning about boxwood across the country.

Preceded in death by her husband, James Ward Walker; son, Patrick Allen Walker; parents, Hartford and Lorilla Maricle; brothers Hartford, Marvis, Carvis Maricle; and sister, Reba Johnson; brother-in-law, Cowan Walker; nephew, Bobby Lynn Maricle. Survived by her sons, Jim (Julie) Walker, Albert Walker; daughter, Beth (Sammy) Sams; grandson, Alex (Katie) Sams; granddaughters, Andrea (Samuel) Davis, Madeline (Ben) Savage; great-grandson Hutch; great-granddaughters, Scarlett and Phoebe; sister, JoAnn Johnson; sister-in-law, Angie Walker; nieces, Ilene Casebolt, Paula Sue Sparacello, Gigi (Robert) Clayton; nephews, Johnny(Mary) Johnson, Jack(Pat) Johnson, Ronnie (Debbie) Johnson, David(Micky) Johnson, Carvis Alton Maricle, Mike Maricle, David (Sheri) Walker.

Special friends that lovingly cared for Bay include, John Behr, Rita Messer, Mike and Darlene Bodnar, Kim Roberts, Pat Hurley, Regina Chandler and Denise.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m.-1p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Manes Funeral Home, 363 East Main St., Newport, TN 37821. There will be a service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rich Lloyd officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Roane County Children’s Fund (3096 Roane State Hwy., Harriman, TN 37748; Attention-Craig Freeman).