Lois I. Walker

LOIS I. WALKER Hudson, Ohio - Lois I. Walker, 97, formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away in her sleep on July 7, 2019 at Hudson Grande Senior Living. Having lived in Florida for 70 years, Lois moved to Ohio in December, 2018.

Lois was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on February 7, 1922 to J. M. and Otie Freeman Inklebarger. She grew up on land shared with her family, grandparents, hogs, chickens and a family cow. Her father liked to take the family on day trips to the Smoky Mountains, with the caveat that they had to be home in time to milk the cow. Lois loved music from an early age and began taking piano lessons when she was five years old. She loved playing piano so much that her mother had to remind her to play outside with the other children. She studied both piano and organ before going to college, continuing her studies and graduating from Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee with a degree in music.

Lois was a gifted musician. Even in her later years, Lois could play almost any hymn from memory, in any key. She generously shared her talents, serving as a distinguished organist at First Baptist Church, Tallahassee in the 1950’s and Miami Shores Baptist from 1960-90. Upon their return to Tallahassee from Miami in the early 1990’s, Lois became the accompanist for the First Joy Choir at First Baptist. Her legacy as a musician lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as each has found a means of expressing themselves through music.

Lois was a patient and thoughtful teacher. She taught kindergarten and first grade in the Dade County public schools and led the Joy Sunday School Class for several years at First Baptist. She was also passionate about missionary work. She was active in missionary organizations throughout her life and served as President of the Florida Women’s Missionary Union from 1989-1994.

Lois loved her husband Charlie. They met at Carson-Newman College in 1940, wed in 1944, and were married for 70 years, through WWII, raising three children, and caring for each other as they aged. Lois and Charlie were devoted to their family; they gave a lot of love to their children, travelled often to visit them and other relatives and remembered everyone’s birthdays. Lois and Charlie were very social people; they had many friends through FSU, and First Baptist and Miami Shores Baptist Churches, and were loved for their generous spirits and gentle humor. She also enjoyed needlework and rooting for the FSU Seminoles football team.

Lois was an optimist with a tolerant and kind personality. She brought us a love for music, steadfast resiliency and compassionate presence that will be greatly missed.

Special thanks go to friend and caregiver Denise Fogle; the staff at Westminster Oaks, especially The Bertram Health Center; Music Therapist Lisa Lorenzo; the many physical, occupational, speech and massage therapists who assisted Lois at Westminister and in the community; Emily McEachron and Dr. Lisa Granville who helped Lois and Charles when they lived in Oaks South, and Dr. Mervin Wallace.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents J. M. and Otie Freeman Inklebarger of Knoxville; her husband of 70 years, Charles Hart Walker; her son, Edwin Charles Walker; and her brother, J. T. Inklebarger.

Lois is survived by her daughters, Ann Edwards (Roger), Stow, Ohio and Carolyn Moss (Bob), Eugene, Oregon; sister, Reba Haynes, Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Cindy Van Dyk, Coupeville, Washington; grandchildren Laura Arledge (Craig Arlet), Dennis Linsley (Mandi), Krista Barnett(Joe) , Kenneth Linsley (Julie), Trina Rainey (Neal), Carrie and Andy Walker; great grandchildren Christian Arlet, Patrick and Alison Linsley, Rumi Barnett, Walker, Tate and Madelyn Linsley, Jack and Tula Rainey.

A Memorial Service was held in Akron, Ohio on July 16. Locally, friends may express their condolences on Tuesday, August 6th from 4-6 PM in the Oaks Room of the Parry Center at Westminster Oaks, 4449 Meandering Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 with the family receiving friends following the service. Final resting place for Lois and Charles will be in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 9, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lois’s name to First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.