Marie Martha Walker

Marie Martha Walker, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Abilene, Texas on Saturday July 28, 2012.  Graveside services will be 10 am Tuesday, July 31 at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut st.


She was the beloved wife of the late George T. Walker and the daughter of the late Franz Otto and Wella Marie Pester.


Marie was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on November 11, 1922.  She was raised with her five siblings and worked as a fashion model for the Hudson Bay Company before marrying George T. Walker shortly after WW II.  They met at a USO dance in Edmonton while George served with the U. S. Army Air Forces and enjoyed 47 years together.  Their life together took them to all parts of the world.  They traveled and lived in England, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and throughout the U.S.


This loving couple brought six children into the world.  Marie dedicated her life to raising her six children and never missed an opportunity helping others.  Her gift was her loving soul that put all others before herself.  For such a small stature, Marie was a kind, gentle giant in the eyes of her devoted children.  Marie’s love for Christ and life itself was instilled in her children from the day they were born.  Marie was also an avid golfer, seamstress, pianist, artist and loved to cook.


Her husband and daughter Charlotte Welch preceded Marie in death. She is survived by her sister, Gerda Lawson of Victoria, British Columbia. Her sons, Robin Walker and wife Ava of Abilene, Wesley Walker and wife Donise of Georgia and Brian Walker and wife Letty of Houston also survive her. Her two daughters, Gretchen and husband Jimmy (Slim) Herman of Abilene and Marlene and husband John Hogan of Winters, Texas, survive her, too.


Marie is survived by her loving grandchildren, Cole, Lauren and Chance Hogan, Tom, Lindsay, Brittany and Christian Walker, Josh and Jacob Herman, Jeffy Bartholomae and husband Alan, Aron Bryan and husband Wesley, Rachel Keesee, and Ryan Welch.  She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Rylee and Cutter Keesee, Syndey and Kasey Bartholomae and Hudson Bryan.


Marie’s family would like to give our love and special thanks to Mickey New, Mom’s loving caretaker.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Therapy Development Foundation, 617-441-7200 215 First Street, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142; Rescue the Animals, 5933 South 1st, Abilene, TX 79605 or a favorite charity.