With profound love and heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Abigail Walker, a woman whose life was defined by boundless love, service and unwavering faith. Born December 5, 1938, in Lexington, Kentucky, Abigail was the third child of Lillian (Judkins) Liebel and Clifford Liebel.
Abigail was a nurturing and caring person. From her earliest days as a parent, she would host her children’s preschool classes each Christmas to bake cookies and create dough ornaments for their families. Later, she volunteered her time and her home each week for church youth group meetings and helped lead youth trips with her husband, Robert. She had a gift for making connections with young people, often becoming a second mother to her children’s friends, many of whom still consider her a guiding influence in their lives.
Abigail’s life’s work was teaching youth; first as a speech pathologist, then as a middle and high school English teacher. She unlocked a world of imagination and education for her students. Sharing her passion for Shakespearean literature and Mark Twain with a new group of students each year brought her genuine joy. Word play never became tiresome for her. She also had a keen ability to sense when a student needed a kind word or additional support and would readily provide it. Through her leadership of the National Honor Society, she mentored children and exemplified the meaning of service by providing assistance to the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter.
Abigail’s family was her greatest joy. She devoted herself to consistent traditions surrounding holidays to nurture her family’s bonds. Her favorite pastime was visiting with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She reveled in celebrating their lives and accomplishments, hearing their stories and providing a listening ear and a supportive hug. Her unconditional love and unwavering support helped build them into who they are and she will live on through each of them. She shared a deep, enduring love with her late husband of 56 years, Robert. Together they navigated raising four children, shared a mutual love of God, many cherished travels, nature and watching wildlife.
Abigail is preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Robert Wayne Walker. She is survived by her children, (Ret) Col. Tom Walker (Tiffany), Beth Martinez, Holly Porter (Bob), and Dr. Becka Byrd (Bobby) and her nine beloved grandchildren: Anthony (Sabrina), Jackson, Kathryn, Abby, Lauren, Ryan, Allie, Travis and Claire. She was also blessed with a cherished great-grandson, Harrison. Her loyal dog, Wylie, remained by her side.
Abigail was a remarkable woman and her legacy lives on. Though she will be greatly missed, we cherish our memories, comforted that she is reunited with dad in God’s hand.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
