Mary Walker

Mary Speight Walker, 91, died Monday, September 23, 2019 in Burlington. Born May 20, 1928 in Bertie County, NC she was the daughter of James A. and Millie H. Speight and the sister of Thomas S. Speight. Mrs. Walker graduated from East Carolina Teacher's College in 1948 with a B. S. in Education. She worked as a teacher in the Burlington City Schools for many years, teaching at Fisher Street, Maple Avenue, Elmira, and Grove Park elementary schools. After her retirement from public school teaching, Mrs. Walker served as the first Administrator of Burlington Christian Academy. She was actively involved as a teacher of the BYKOTA Sunday School class at Grove Park Baptist Church.

Mrs. Walker was married to Gordon Walker, who predeceased her in 2004. She is survived by her daughter Cathy Johnson and husband Rob, her son Rex Walker and wife Stefanie, and her grandchildren Bob Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Robin Walker Arnitz, and Stephen Walker. She also is survived by eight great-grandchildren and by her first cousin Tom Speight, her niece Nedgelena Speight Jennings, and her nephew Thomas S. Speight, Jr.

Mary Walker is remembered as a remarkable teacher with the gifts of conveying to others her genuine concern for them, and for motivating her students to believe in themselves while inspiring them to do their best. She loved her family, her church, her art, and Duke basketball. Her family is deeply grateful to Red Braxton and the staff of Home Instead Senior Care, who enabled Mrs. Walker to live in her home and remain active until shortly before her passing.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Walker will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 28 at Grove Park Baptist Church. A reception with the family will take place immediately after the service. The family will be at the home of Cathy and Rob Johnson at other times.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general funds of Grove Park Baptist Church (108 Trail One, Burlington, NC 27215) or Republican Baptist Church (1422 Republican Road, Windsor, NC 27983).