Anne Marie Newton Walker

Anne Marie Newton Walker, 80, beloved wife of Thomas B. Walker, Jr., died January 15, 2010, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Her husband of 59 years and her sons, Thomas B. Walker III of New York City and John Newton Walker of Dallas were at her side. She is also survived by two brothers, a sister and six wonderful grandchildren. Anne Marie Newton was born July 23, 1929 in Memphis, Tennessee to Saint Elmo Newton and Anne Marie Nebhut Newton. Mrs. Walker graduated from the Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. As a Princess of the University Club, Anne Marie served in the Royal Court of the Memphis Cotton Carnival in 1949. She met Thomas B. Walker, Jr. in Memphis, and they were married there on May 27, 1950. Mrs. Walker moved to Dallas as a bride, beginning a lifelong partnership with her husband. She was a proud and strict mother, an enterprising and exacting businesswoman and rancher, a loyal friend, a philanthropist, and an accomplished sportswoman. She was an early member of the Crystal Charity Ball and a member of the Hesitation Club, the Brook Hollow Golf Club, and the River Club of New York City. Mrs. Walker was devoted to supporting education. She was a leader among benefactors for the Hutchison School in Memphis. Mr. and Mrs. Walker funded the Walker Library for Middle and Upper School Students at the Hutchison School as well as the Walker Management Library of the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. She was also a generous contributor to St. Mark's School of Texas and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Mr. and Mrs. Walker developed the Antom Ranch, their ranch near Ennis, Texas, where Mrs. Walker raised Brangus cattle. She began her tennis career as a youngster, honed her skills in Scottsdale, Arizona and at the Brook Hollow Golf Club, where she won more championships than any other woman in the club's history. A versatile athlete, she was a sure shot when hunting with friends and her son, Newt. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Walker will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hutchison School, 1740 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119.