Iva Mae Walker

Mrs. Walker was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took great pride in her family. She was known for her kindness and generosity, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She and two of her sisters, Stella Parton and the late Rose Bowling, were well known as “The Three Sisters” in many thrift stores and restaurants.

She was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church where the Memorial Chapel is dedicated in honor of the Lowe family.

Mrs. Walker and her late husband, Jack Walker Sr., owned and operated Walker’s ESSO for many years. She also worked for several years at the former Rader’s Store on the Newport Highway.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law: Jack Walker Jr. and Norma Walker of Tusculum, Tenn., Robert Walker of Greeneville, Tenn., and Shelby and Eliza Walker of Chelsea, Ala.; one daughter and son-in-law: Linda and Sam Smith of Greeneville, Tenn.; seven grandchildren: Shelby J. and Emily Walker of Signal Mountain, Tenn., John and Melissa Walker of Columbus, Ohio, Bobby Walker of Knoxville, Tenn., Kim and Harold Lewis Benfield II of Lincolnton, North Carolina, Teri Beth and Winchester Shearer of Chelsea, Ala., Mindy Walker of Chelsea, Ala., and Melanie and Daniel Williams of Afton, Tenn.; nine great-grandchildren: Bennett Walker and Whit Walker of Signal Mountain, Tenn., Harold Lewis “Hal” Benfield III of Lincolnton, North Carolina, Hugh Shelby Shearer and Avery Shearer of Chelsea, Ala., Heidi Williams and Dutch Williams of Afton, Tenn., and two more great-grandchildren who will be born in coming months; sister: Stella Parton of Greeneville, Tenn.; brother-in-law: R. L. Bowling of Greeneville, Tenn.; several nieces and nephews; and Houston Prater and other special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jack Walker Sr.; parents: The Rev. C. E. “Charlie” Lowe and Rosa Lowe; brother: Shelby D. Lowe; three sisters: Mary Rader, Bonnie Woody, and Rose Bowling; and her daughter-in-law: Carolyn Walker.

The family will receive friends from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm Friday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 8:00 pm Friday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Sam Smith officiating.

Interment will be at 10:00 am Saturday in GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home Saturday at 9:30 am to go in procession to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Walker, Shelby J. Walker, John Walker, Daniel Williams, Harold Benfield, and Winchester Shearer.

Honorary pallbearers will be nieces and nephews, the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living, and the staff of Amedisys.

The family extends special thanks to Shane Jones and the wonderful staff of Brookdale Assisted Living who have grown to love Iva so much in recent years and have provided such kind and compassionate care; and also to the Amedisys staff.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s TN, 3212 Hanover Road, Suite 5, Johnson City, TN 37604.