Marsena Grace Rodgers Walker, age 99, of Chattanooga, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who touched the lives of many in profound ways.
The daughter of the late Walter Lee Rodgers and Rosalie Cooke Rodgers, Marsena grew up in the St. Elmo community of Chattanooga with her sister the late Mildred Rodgers Tallant. She graduated from Chattanooga Central High School where she met her husband, the late Harlie V. “Tommy” Walker whom she shared almost 70 wonderful years of marriage.
Marsena’s most treasured job was that of wife and mother, but she also packed K-rations in support of World War II efforts, was a teacher’s aide, and owned and operated her own ceramics business for 25 years. She was recognized as a craftsman with many accolades, ribbons and trophies. In addition, she supported her children and community in leadership roles as a Girl Scout leader, co-president with her husband of the Carver Tarwater Class at Red Bank United Methodist Church and President of the Chattanooga Organ Club.
Left to treasure her memory are her children David (Libby) Walker, Stephen Walker, Stanley (Kiva) Walker of Chattanooga and Darlene (Mike) Schlicher of Murfreesboro, TN; seven grandchildren Shelley (Allan) Nelson of Pike Road, AL, John (Elizabeth) Schlicher, Katharine “Katie” (Donovan) Grigsby, and Michael Schlicher of Murfreesboro, TN, Wes (Nicole) Walker of Chattanooga, Megan (David) Swartout of Hendersonville, TN, and Brian (Kat) Walker of Woodstock, GA; and seven great grandchildren Abigail and Andrew Grigsby, James and Caroline Schlicher, Ben and Allie Swartout and Harley Walker.
The family will receive friends from 12 (noon) until 1 pm on Tuesday, July 25, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 6314 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.
A celebration of her life will follow at 1 pm on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, in Chattanooga where she had dual membership with Red Bank United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Hamilton Memorial Gardens on Hwy. 153 in Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
