Shirley Walker

Shirley Sumner Walker, age 87, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, went from her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31. She was born May 1, 1938 in Moundville, Alabama.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at Memory Hill Chapel Funeral Home on Skyland Blvd. with Dr. Donnie Payne, Pastor Patrick Cochran, Pastor Jon Wiggins presiding. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Jeff Walker, Sr., her father, J.B. Sumner, her mother, Nannie Sumner, her son, Larry Jeff Walker, Jr., her great-grandson, Hunter Chase Whitley, her brothers, James Leon “Jimmy” Sumner and John Gordon “Johnny” Sumner.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Graham (Lawrence); grandaughters, Shannon McDaniel (Edward), Suzanne Hinton (Brian), Lauren Rector (Conor); grandson, Trey Walker; sister Patricia “Patsy” Galloway (Bo); sisters-in-law, Stevie Kahre Sumner Wyatt, Joanne Hill, and Diane Sumner Wilson; great-grandchildren, Jonna, Bradlee, River, Avett, Preston, Hailey, Brynn, Mason, Tyler, Tucker; great-great-grandchildren, Sadie, PJ, Harper, and Tucker Chase; a friend who was like a son, John Dee Carruth (Kim).

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:15-17. Shirley Sumner Walker received Jesus Christ into her heart at the tender age of 9. She married her high school sweetheart, and they raised their children in a godly home, bringing them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ at an early age. Shirley continued to set a godly example with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught Sunday School at Forest Lake Baptist Church for 56 years, teaching countless children the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ. The joy of the Lord was evident to everyone she came into contact with, from her lifelong friends to new acquaintances she had made during her recent hospital stay, and even to her visitors in her final hours at home. Visiting Shirley’s home was always a memorable event. Shirley Sumner Walker spread joy everywhere she went.

Pallbearers will be Trey Walker, Jim Sumner, John Berry Sumner, Raiford Bridges, Jeff Bridges, Randy Perkins, Charles Ernest, and Gary Mizzell.

Honorary Pallbearers are special friend Buddy Moore, members of Forest Lake Baptist Church, neighbors of Frederick Drive, ACG Hospice, and a host of friends.

Those who knew Shirley best knew that her life was truly a testament to the goodness of God. She was a precious woman, the very best Mimi, a great example, and she will be forever missed.