Laura W. Willins Walker

A fourth generation Memphian, Mrs. Walker was the great granddaughter of Capt. Joseph Lenow, a well-known early Memphis settler. Capt. Lenow donated land for the creation of Elmwood Cemetery, and was Elmwood's president for over 30 years. Mrs. Walker was the daughter of the late Edmund Orgill and Lila Lenow Willins. She was predeceased by her sister, Lila Thompson Howell. She is survived by her three daughters: Arundel Miller and Mary Jane Thompson, both of Memphis; and Eve Settles of Monteagle, TN. She will be greatly missed by grandchildren Analisa Sondergaard of Philadelphia, PA; Alan Scrimger of Falls Church, VA; Charles Thompson of Germantown; David Thompson of Olive Branch, MS; and Nelson Berry of Nashville, TN; and great granchildren Christian and Nicholas Sondergaard, both of Philadelphia, and Viktor Thompson of Germantown.

Mrs. Walker was married for 38 years to Henry C. (Hank) Walker before his death in 2003. They loved and were loved by many friends at Idelwild Presbyterian Church, the University Club, and throughout Memphis. They enjoyed weekend getaways to their cabin on the White River in Hardy, Arkansas.

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As a young woman, Mrs. Walker worked for WHER radio, the legendary Sam Phillips’ groundbreaking “All Girls Station.” She later worked for GMAC for over 30 years.

In retirement she joined the International Order of the Kings Daughters, serving her chapter as officer and president for multiple terms. She was actively engaged in the life of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, which she attended for over 50 years. She was a founding member of Idlewild's LeMaster class and volunteered for More Than a Meal, an Idlewild program benefiting Memphis’ homeless population. She also enjoyed membership in the Red Hat Society.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. July 3 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, followed by services 2:00. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. in the Lenow lot at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to remember Laura consider a contribution to Elmwood Cemetery or The Exchange Club Family Center.