Dr. Catherine Anne Thomas-Walker

Dr. Catherine Thomas-Walker of Spring Hill, Florida, a retired educator, passed away on May 29, 2023. Kitty, as she was known to her friends and family, had enjoyed a life that spanned nearly eight decades.

Kitty was born on September 15, 1945, in Havre de Grace, MD to John W. and Lillian L. (Davis) Thomas. After graduating in 1963 from Central Consolidated School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 from Maryland State College (University of Maryland Eastern Shore). Kitty’s love of learning was the catalyst for her academic achievements which resulted in her earning both a Masters of Education in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1997 from the University of Akron. Kitty cherished the long-term friendships and bonds she developed through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and Red Hat Society.

Throughout her life, she built a close community of friends that she cultivated during the years in the different places she lived, including Ohio, California, and Florida. She was proud of her Native American heritage and often traveled to Pow Wows to celebrate in Native American rituals. Kitty had a green thumb, was handy around the house, and enjoyed sewing and decorating. Kitty loved to laugh, line dance, and also enjoyed solving sudoku and other puzzles and games. Always willing to help, over the years Kitty was involved with 4-H, the Links Incorporated, the Children’s Concert Society of Akron, as well as other organizations. As an educator, Kitty loved traveling, had an instinctive desire to explore different cultures, meet new people, and impart her knowledge to others. Throughout her life she enjoyed visiting all 50 U.S. States, as well countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

While Kitty welcomed opportunities to connect with students at all levels, she primarily taught early childhood education at Cuyahoga Community College, and Diablo Valley College. After retiring from teaching, because she truly enjoyed interacting with toddlers, Kitty continued to conduct Child Development Associate Credential assessments for the Council of Professional Recognition until 2013.

Kitty was predeceased by her parents, John and Lillian; sibling, Betty Lucille. She is survived by her loving husband Charles Walker; her daughter Conici Blount; her stepdaughter Karen (Mark) Johnson-Robinson; her stepson David (Julia) Walker; her sister Ella Elaine (Paul) Halchak; her niece Wenonah (Seth) Riegel; and her great niece, Sarah (William) Hashagen. She leaves behind three grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends who were honored to be a part of her extraordinary life. We wish her safe travels.

A celebration of life for Catherine will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Turner Funeral Homes, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, in Memory of Dr. Catherine Thomas Walker; Attn: Robert Kahl, Department of Pathology, John Hopkins Medicine. 600 N. Wolf Street, Carnegie 417, Baltimore, MD 21287-6417