Nola Ann Walker

Jesus declared that He did not come to be served but to serve. Ann’s life was characterized as a quiet, humble servant to her family, friends, and the children she taught at school and church.

Born October 13, 1936, she enjoyed a full life but as time and age began to cause memories to fade, she held on to what mattered most… “I shared my life with a man who was the love of my life”, “I am so proud of my three boys” and “the Lord has been so good to me”. These are the kind of possessions that can be carried to heaven.

The love of her life was Willis A. Walker, known to friends as “Happy”. They married in December 1953 while he was serving in the Korean War. This was a short parting but afterwards, they were inseparable, sharing 42 years together. After his passing in 1995, she was content to live the remainder of her life with the memories of this good man.

And she was proud of her boys Mark Steven, Paul Alan and Jeffrey Arloe Walker. Heaven must hold a special reward for a mother of three boys! While she found joy in their success, they knew that who they were as men, husbands and fathers was a result of the sacrifice, example, and lessons from amazing parents. Such an example was when Nola persevered and completed her college teaching degree, commuting to Concord College several days a week while raising three young boys.

Her family has been blessed to share this life with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mark lived in Grandview with wife Libbi until his death in 2021. His daughter Sara Walker Foster, husband Michael, and their daughters Emery & Sutton of Milton, son Troy Kendall Walker of Grandview, David Walker Dykes of Troutville, VA, and Ashley Mackey Cox of Johnson City, TN. Paul and Anita, daughter Kimberly Lauren Phillips, husband Kevin, and their son Hayden of Morgantown. Jeff and Kathy, daughter Amie Christine Casamassina, husband Micah, and their children Cora, Cole and Connor of Palm City, Florida and son Ryan Jeffrey Walker of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Finally, reflecting on her life, she would affirm the goodness of the Lord, His salvation, protection and care for her; her thankfulness for thirty years of educating First Graders at Blue Jay and Beaver Elementary Schools; the joy of caring for babies in the church nursery at Daniels Missionary Baptist Church; and the blessing of good friends and a dear sister, Jeanette Faye Cook.

We mourn the separation but not without hope.

Soon, our faith will be sight.

But just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven.

Of touching a hand and finding it God’s.

Of breathing new air and finding it celestial.

Of waking up in glory…

And finding it home.

Finally home.

Services to celebrate the life of Nola Ann Sweeney Walker will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at the Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jason Lowe and Pastor Samuel Peterson of Faith Community Church officiating. Following the service, Ann will be entombed beside her beloved husband, Willis, at the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may gather with the family at 11:00 am on the morning of the service.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhomebeckley.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home and Crematorium 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive Beckley is honored to be serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bowers House Hospice of Southern West Virginia, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley WV 25801 or Faith Community Church, PO Box 773 Beckley, West Virginia, 25802 or https://www.fccwv.org/