Johnnie Viola Walker

Johnnie Viola Walker was born November 1, 1929 to the parentage of John and Viola Gunnels. Johnnie attended schools in Palestine, TX, ultimately graduating from Lincoln High School. She accepted Christ at a young age. As a child and young adult, she worshipped, studied, and was baptized within the Methodist faith.

Later in life she relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where she met and married Roosevelt Walker.

Johnnie had a long career spanning more than thirty years with Texas Instruments.

She was a devoted Christian with unshakable faith. Johnnie was loving, compassionate, caring, and had a giving heart. She had a deep love for family and friends and was known for her sweet demeanor and quiet spirit. Prior to a decline in her health, she faithfully attended and served within her church, The Way, The Truth, And The Life Christian Church (formerly, Denley Drive Christian Church, Disciples of Christ) for over forty years.

Johnnie was the matriarch of five generations.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 Mother Johnnie Viola Walker, peacefully entered eternal life. She was welcomed by her parents, John Gunnels and Viola Gunnels; brothers, Clifford Gunnels and Rufus Gunnels; sister, Evelyn Gunnels; and grandson, Sidney D. Gunnels.

She leaves to cherish her memory and accept the will of God, three daughters, Pat Crear (Richard), Patricia Kaye Williams and Rosemary Walker; three sons, Earnest Thompson, Ken Thompson (Malinda) and John Walker; three step-daughters, Francine Lynn (Tommy), Geraldine Walker and Wyverne Britton (Anderson); eight grandchildren, Yolande Wilson (Joe), Shari Parker, Amber Oluchi (Mbah), Sonja Washington, Kenneth Thompson, Jr., Avry Williams (Erika), Tiffany Walton and Erin Smith (Kashari); two nephews, Oscar Gunnels (Karen) and David Gunnels (Contessa); nine great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and additional loving family members and friends.