Lydia Ann Walker

Lydia Walker was born May 4, 1941 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Therman and Norvelle Walker. She spent her first five years of life with her parents in Payna, Illinois, before moving to Somerset, Kentucky, where she lived until graduating from Somerset High School.

Throughout her life, Lydia loved reading, traveling, art, and growing violets. Her sense of humor, inherited from her mother, was a gift to all those who knew her. Her verbal skills were extraordinary.

Lydia’s family of origin was very important to her. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, and a nephew—all of whom she gave much love and support through the years. She established deep personal relationships with several cousins and extended family members as an adult. She is survived by her partner of 42 years, Peg McLaughlin, and by several beloved friends whom she referred to as her family of the heart. She was a devoted member of the Central Presbyterian Church of Kansas City.

Lydia earned several advanced degrees in reading education: Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Kentucky, Lexington; Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia; Education Specialist Degree from the University of Arizona, Tucson; and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also participated in an independent study in linguistics and language development from the University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Lydia’s professional career included positions as high school English teacher, reading diagnostician, reading instructor, and private practice as a reading diagnostician and remedial instructor. Her career moves took her to several locations: Harlan County, Kentucky; Pipestone, Minnesota; Hastings, Nebraska; and Kansas City, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M to 2:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 10 at 2:00 P.M. at Central Presbyterian Church, 3501 Campbell Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64109.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Lydia's name to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, 5445 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kansas 66104; (913) 596-1000; http://hsgkc.org/donate.html