Mary Belle (McNabb) Walker

It is with profound sadness that we announce our beloved mother, Mary Belle McNabb Walker, 81, of Calhoun, left peacefully to live in her eternal home with Jesus on April 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family at Athens Regional Hospital.  A cherished mother of five, she devoted her life to her family, nurturing us with love, wisdom, and the warmest of meals.  Her passion for reading and cooking was only surpassed by her love for her family. She was the heart of our home, always ensuring laughter, music, and joy were abundant. Her favorite color, yellow, was a testament to the bright presence she had in our lives. She found beauty and happiness in the simplest of things, especially flowers. Her legacy is one of love and selflessness, having stepped into the role of caregiver from a young age, looking after her sisters when they needed her most.

She retired from Bradley Memorial Hospital in 2005 at the age of 62 after 25 years of service in dietary. She was member of Eastanallee Baptist Church.

Mary was proceeded in death by her husband of 54 years: William Elbert “J.D.” Walker, her grandparents, Fred and Mary Belle McNabb; parents, Eva Geraldine Wolffe McNabb, and James McNabb; sister, Kris Lawrence, daughter, Janet F. Walker Brown, and grandson, Matthew Burke.

Survivors include: two sons, John W. Walker of Calhoun, TN, and David Walker (Alla), Loganville, GA, two daughters: Daris Anne Burke (Richard) of Athens, and Wanda Walker Crockett (Tim) of Athens; grandchildren: Cayci Norman, Hayley Brown, Cara Walker, Rachel Burke, Jillian Walker, Carson Walker, Rebekah Burke, Makena Crockett, Katie Belle Crockett, Kylie Grace Crockett, Cannon Walker Crockett, and Cade Crockett, great grandchildren; Kennedy Burke, Callie June Norman, and Miles Norman; sisters: Sharon Kay McCurry and Diane Blankenship

We will miss her deeply but take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. Her spirit will continue to guide us, and the memories made will forever be a source of strength and joy.

Please join us in celebrating her life. We will receive friends on Saturday, April 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  at Zeigler Funeral Home with a funeral to follow at 6 p.m. Pastor Johnathon Kyle and James Logan will be officiating.  Interment will be held at Calhoun First Baptist Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be John Walker, David Walker, Richard Burke, Tim Crockett, Jim Logan, Jerry Johnston, Dennis Kissell, and James Duffy.