Joan Walker

Interment will be in Heath Cemetery in Heath, TX.

Joan was born on September 22, 1944, in Dallas, TX, to J.D. and Marceline Holman.

She passed away on January 3, 2016, in Tyler, TX.

Joan was a member of College Mound Methodist Church. She was an artist and a state fair champion cook. Joan loved to read and watch movies, especially John Wayne films. Joan Stovall (Walker) was a 6th generation Texan who raised three kids and had a varied career. She had a penchant for entrepreneurship, was an accomplished artist, a published poet, was a Texas State Fair cooking champion (featured on Good Morning America and the Today Show), raced cars in the “Powder Puff” derbies of the 1960s, served as a Police Dispatcher in Dallas, and ran the family farm. Her love of reading was shared by all her children and her sense of humor and adventure were contagious. She suffered a debilitating stroke in 2000 that left her paralyzed and without most of her speech, but otherwise had all her mental capabilities. This did not slow her down – even in the 24-hour care facility where she remained for the last 15 years, she was the center of attention and always quick to make everyone laugh. In her 71 years, she never felt sorry for herself and always kept an incredibly positive attitude, despite numerous physical limitations. In spirit and determination, she was the strongest person you could meet.

She is survived by her Son, Steven Stovall of Wilmington, OH; Daughter and Son-in-law, Paula & John Huskins-Riggs of Austin, TX; Daughter, Kelly Burton of Longview, TX; Grandchildren, Paula, Iyla, Taylor, & Christopher; Brother, Gerold Holman; Sister, Judy Murphy; and Brother, Randy Holman.

Joan is preceded in death by her Parents; Husband, Gerald Walker; and Husband, Billy Stovall.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.