Dolores Thelma Walker

Dolores “Dolly” Thelma Wood-Walker, age 78, died on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Waco. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Connally-Compton Funeral Directors. Services to celebrate the life of Dolly will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Waco Memorial Park.

Dolly was born June 20, 1933 in Norfolk, Virginia to Gordon Irish and Thelma Wiley Irish. After marrying Jimmy Wood in 1952, she moved to Waco, Texas where she and Jimmy raised four children. She was employed in Waco for many years by the National Safety Council, Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Marathon Battery and finally Congressman Chet Edwards. She and Jimmy spent many long hours volunteering for the Democratic Party in McLennan County. The year she retired from politics she was dedicated into the Book of Congress on June 28th, 1994, because of her commitment to the political process of democracy. After her retirement she and her second husband, Carl Walker, enjoyed being involved throughout their community which included working with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dolly was known for her family values which were always placed above all other needs throughout her life. Dolly had many talents in which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, drawing, painting, sewing, working with stained glass, knitting and crocheting. She also enjoyed shooting pool with her children and grandchildren, getting outdoors to go camping and fishing in her leisurely time.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon A. Irish and Thelma Wiley Irish, husbands Jimmy Lee Wood and Carl Everett Walker, as well as her great-grandson Christopher Coleman.

Survivors include her son Jamie and his wife Marilyn Wood of Robinson, Texas, her daughter Sheryl and her husband Steve Harding of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, her son Randy and his wife Sandra Wood of Speeglevile, Texas, and her daughter Mala and her husband Eddy Bufkin of China Spring, Texas, step-son Jeff Walker and wife Rae of Austin, Texas, step-daughter Lisa Harrison and husband Troy of Waco, Texas. Dolly also had 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren that will miss her presence in their lives.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the medical personnel at Hillcrest Baptist Family Medical Center and Scott & White Hospital for their many hours of excellent care for Dolly as well as being there for every member of the family in their time of need. Dolly has touched the lives of many people and she will be missed. Memories of her beautiful smile, outgoing personality and fun-loving spirit will warm the hearts of many for years to come.

Condolences may be offered at www.connally-compton.com