Juanita Maxine Walker

Perhaps being born in a tent on an oil lease in the middle of the plains of west Texas set the tone for her 96 years. Having rheumatic fever as a toddler and growing up in the depression and dustbowl also probably had a hand. If there is a word that describes the life of Juanita Evans Walker, it is determination. Once, while her family was picking cotton, she set her bag on the ground and said, “I’m going into town and get a real job.” When her father told her that she wasn’t old enough, she repeated, “I’m going into town and get a real job.” And she did. After meeting the love of her life, Grover, she saved her money and somehow got space on a train during World War 2 from Texas to be married in Oakland, California, where he was stationed in the Navy.

She was determined to have a good family and a good life. She overcame poverty and created a formidable team with her husband. Wherever they lived, they were a positive in their communities. That rock solid determination was wrapped in the soft mantle of kindness. Life and work took them to every part of Texas except the TransPecos. And wherever they lived, their life was centered in the local Church of Christ. After Grover’s death, she moved to Rusk where she was active in prison ministry, World Bible School, a ministry teaching people around the world, counseling folks to quit substance abuse, and any other activity to help those around her, well into her 80’s.

She is preceded in death by her beloved, Grover, daughter, Charlotte Dover, parents, Jack and Essie Evans, siblings Marie Fairbanks, Marge Jones, Bob, Patsy Carson, and Don. She is survived by her sons, Jack and Scott, son-in-law Ron Dover of Lubbock siblings Billie Ruth Hardy and Wanda Nite of Rusk and Jerry of Portland, TN, grandchildren Josh and Jonathan Walker of Oregon, Rhonda Dover of Nashville, TN, Charla (Greg) Mathes of Carrollton, VA, Ana Maria Tye of Plano, Amanda Walker of Abilene, Ashley (Chuy) Treviño of Garland, and Jack Walker Jr. of North Richland Hills, great-grandchildren Delaney and Holden Mathes, Gabriela and Mia Treviño, Eleanor Tye, Harper, Hannah and Georgina Walker.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at IOOF Cemetery, 1117 E 7th Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in her memory to either World Bible School, 16110 Anderson Mill Road, Cedar Park, Texas 78613, New Life Behavior Ministries 3833 S. Staples #S101, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 or the charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com for the Walker family.