Betty Jane Akers Card Walker

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 8, 1931, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Lindo Vaughn “Chick” Akers and Lucille Franklin Akers. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Louis Card, Jr.; her cherished daughter, Joan Elizabeth Card Tarpley; and her only brother, James Curtis “JC” Akers, Sr..

Having spent most of her early life in West Virginia, Betty graduated in 1949 from the Bible Training Boarding School, a division of Lee University at that time. She and Earl Card raised their three children, all born in Alaska, primarily in Warner Robins, Georgia. After retirement they moved to Ooltewah, close to their roots and their family. After Earl’s death, Betty met and married Ray Walker with whom she spent the remaining years of her life.

Throughout her life, she was devoted to her Lord Jesus Christ, her family, and her church community. She and Earl were longtime members of Bayside Baptist Church in Harrison, where she served as Founder and Director of Operation Reach Out and was actively involved in the church’s music ministry and productions. Later, she was a faithful member of Greenwood Baptist Church in Ooltewah. Her servant’s heart, love for worship, and dedication to others touched many lives.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Forest Ray Walker of Ooltewah, Tennessee; daughter, Deborah Jane Card Hairel (David) of Conroe, Texas; son, Robert Earl Card (Brenda) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and six grandchildren: Christopher David Hairel (Eileen), Rachel Elizabeth “Elle” Hairel (Stacey), Julia Catherine Preston, Ryan Tarpley (Mandy), Robert Tarpley, and Jake Tarpley. In addition, she was loved by Ray’s adult children, especially his daughter Beth Walker Dobbin (Tony) of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Betty was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who brought her much joy: James Christopher Hairel, Jonathan David Hairel, Roman Alexander Bazan, Avah Grace Bazan, Emma Joan Tarpley, Ellie Mae Tarpley, and Ethan Tarpley. She is further survived by several beloved nieces and nephews and was a welcomed member of the large Walker family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Greenwood Baptist Church, 8529 Snow Hill Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363, with Pastor Ken Wolfe and Rev. Ray Walker officiating. A private burial at Card Cemetery will take place at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the church.

The family invites you to share your memories and condolences online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.