Louise Walker, age 84, of Marion, IL passed away with her family at her side at 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at Angel Acres of Marion, IL.
She was born on April 16, 1925, in Marion, IL the daughter of Thomas “Tommy” and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Tanner) Hilliard.
Louise attended the Marion schools and was a 1945 graduate of Marion Township High School.
She was united in marriage to Ralph Vance Walker on June 29, 1943, in Charleston, MO and together they shared over fifty-five years of marriage until his death came on November 2, 1998.
Louise was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Marion, IL and in the past was a member of the Joy Singers and helped with Bible school. She was formerly a volunteer at Heartland Regional Medical Center, attended Marion Senior Citizens and was a member of the Marion Senior Circle.
In her spare time she enjoyed getting together with her friends and playing pinochle, quilting, gardening, was an avid bingo player, league bowler and was a sports enthusiast, especially following baseball and basketball. When her son, Bill was young she actively was involved with him in Boy Scouts serving as Den Mother.
She always kept busy maintaining her home and seeing to the needs of her family always interested in all their activities. Now those whom she leaves behind will cherish the many memories that have been created.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ralph William and Phyllis Walker of Marion, IL; three daughters and sons-in-law, Betty Jean and Jack Snell of Gurnee, IL and Katherine Ann and Terry Earnheart and Patricia Kay and David Powless all of Marion, IL; eight grandchildren, Jeff Snell of Gurnee, IL, Brian Snell and his wife, Colleen of Galesburg, IL, Elizabeth Snell of Gurnee, IL, Chris Walker and his wife, Kimberly Nolen Walker of Marion, IL, Julie Ann Faucett and her husband, Derek of Elberfeld, IN, Trevor Dorris and friend, Nickie, Nathan Powless and Nick Powless all of Marion, IL; seven great grandchildren, Jessica Snell, Maxwell Snell, Alli Faucett, Cannon Faucett, Ava Faucett, Taylor Chase and Tyson Dorris, other extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; three sisters, Marie Stevenson, Rita Pollack and Mary Hilliard and four brothers, Fred, Frank, Orval and Ralph “Gene” Hilliard.
Arrangements for Louise Walker were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation of family and friends was on Sunday, January 3, 2010, between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home.
During the time of visitation a “Reflections of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Louise’s life was presented to the family and friends.
Following the time of visitation the memorial service was at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Bob Dickerson and Rev. Jimmie Boozer presiding.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Byron Corzine.
Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “He Touched Me” and “Amazing Grace” both by vocalist, Brian Summers with pianist, Byron Corzine accompanying.
Following the service, interment was next to her husband in Maplewood Cemetery of Marion, IL.
After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at First Baptist Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support.
For those who preferred memorial contributions were made to either “First Baptist Church Building Fund” or “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
