Merry Ann Sheffer Walker

Merry Ann Sheffer Walker, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at Gateway Gardens in Winder, Georgia. A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Merry Ann’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion.

Merry Ann was a proud graduate of Knoxville High School, Class of 1949, where she served as the ROTC Company B Sponsor. Merry Ann attended the University of Tennessee and her love for the Volunteers was legendary. She passed that passion on to her children, creating cherished traditions that bonded her family for generations.

Her warmth and grace later found expression in her role as a hostess at Ft. Sanders Presbyterian Hospital, where she led the team who extended comfort and care to countless individuals. Upon her marriage to Rev. Robert Wade Walker in 1979, she became a devoted minister's wife and spent countless hours in service to her church families.

Preceded in death by her parents, George Franklin Lloyd and Gladys Turner Lloyd; her first husband, William Frank Sheffer, Sr.; and her second husband, Rev. Robert Wade Walker.

She is survived by her sons, William "Bill" Frank Sheffer, Jr. (Deanna), Lloyd Lin Sheffer (Teresa), James "Jim" Preston Sheffer (Gina) and Mark Finley Sheffer (Catherine); her daughters, Lea Marie Walker Jolley and Beth Walker Burkey (Bob); 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:30 PM, officiated by James P. Sheffer and Alison Christine Sheffer Leamon. Interment will follow in Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Merry Ann's name to East Tennessee Children's Hospital at https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/

Merry Ann will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on as a testament to a life well-lived, full of love, compassion and joy.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com