Suzanne Walker

Suzanne Holden Walker, 70, passed away in Cartersville, GA, on July 9th, 2022. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generosity, and occasional stubbornness. Suzanne was an animal lover, travel enthusiast, avid reader, and devoted sports fan (Go Jackets, Vols, Braves, and Falcons!).

Suzanne was born in College Park, Georgia, on April 18, 1952, to two loving parents, Dean and George Holden. Early on, her mother termed her the most “difficult child conceivable;” later, she would call her the most rewarding daughter ever. Her brother, Graham Holden, was born a few years later. Although she may not have been too happy about this new addition at first, the siblings grew close, and Suzanne was always grateful for her little brother.

Suzanne was an extremely bright child, excelling at school from an early age. She was also a fervent reader, often reading books beyond her age group (which led to her discovering the myth of Father Christmas and having to be told by her mother ‘not to ruin Santa Claus’ for her cousins and brother). Suzanne attended Cartersville High School, graduating in 1970 with the honor of Valedictorian (something she never let her daughter forget). A recipient of multiple scholarships for her writing skills and academic achievement, she went on to study at Samford University, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in History. During her time at college, she was a writer with the Samford Crimson, and a proud member of the Kappa Delta sorority.

After college, Suzanne returned to Cartersville, taking a job in the City of Cartersville Clerk’s Office. There, she worked directly for the City Clerk, one Clarence Beaman Walker. Beginning as her boss, Clarence advanced to eventually become City Manager of Cartersville. More importantly, he also became the love of Suzanne’s life - and she his. The two enjoyed traveling, attending football games and concerts, and hiking in the woods (esp. those surrounding the Walker Cabin on the Creek in Gatlinburg). Her and Clarence’s wedding day was one of the happiest days of her life (preceded only by the day her daughter was born). It may have taken some time for Suzanne to convince Clarence to start a family, but her persistence eventually won out when in October of 1986, the couple was blessed with the birth of their beloved daughter Megan. She quickly went on to become the light of her parents’ life. Suzanne and her daughter always had quite the bond; they both shared a passion for sports, animals, politics, and traveling. They were truly each other’s best friend.

Suzanne continued to work in Cartersville, serving as the Director of the Weinman Mineral Museum for a number of years before moving on to work with the City of Cartersville’s Electric Department. Suzanne quickly became the ‘mother hen’ for the linemen and crew. In June of 2018, Suzanne retired after working 20+ years with the City of Cartersville.

Suzanne was a natural caretaker (often addressing others’ need before her own). She was always the ‘strong one’ during times of tragedy; taking care of her mother after her father’s passing, and her daughter after her husband’s passing (she bravely battled breast cancer two short years after her husband’s death all while taking care of a young, demanding child – with no complaints). Even during the ‘tough times’ Suzanne’s strength and resilience shone bright.

Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, George Lester and Dean Graham Holden, her mother-in-law, Jean Walker, and her husband, Clarence Beaman Walker. She is survived by her beloved daughter Megan, her brother Graham, her brother-in-law Henry Walker, her lone surviving aunt, Carol Bentley Culverhouse, her nieces and nephews, and her three cherished pets: her dog Summitt, and her two cats, Strider and Sydney (aka her other “children”).

A visitation for Suzanne will be held Saturday, July 30th, 2022, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 PM. A reception will be held at the Cartersville Civic Center following the graveside service.

In lieu of food or flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Suzanne’s name to one of the following charities: United Way of Bartow County, Breast Cancer Alliance, or Planned Parenthood Southeast.