Mary Frances Walker

(From Parker Mortuary)

In loving memory of Mrs. Mary Frances Walker – beloved wife and mother, aunt and friend, sister, daughter, and child of God – who passed away in Seattle, Washington, shortly before her 103rd birthday.

Mary Frances was born March 25, 1913, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Mark and Augusta(nee Moore) Berry. She was the fourth born and last surviving of nine children, and was closest to her sister Hattie (Miller), and brothers Buster and Henry. Mary Frances Berry married Irven L. Walker in Fayetteville on October 1, 1932.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker subsequently moved to Joplin, Missouri, where Mary Frances spent all of her married life. She was a petite and vivacious person who loved to smile and sought to bring out the best in others. Her many talents included antique restoration and upholstery, needlework, crochet, and delicate floral china painting.

In Joplin, Mary Frances belonged to Trinity Methodist Church and later to Royal Height Methodist Church. She and Irven were active in Eastern Star and the Masonic Temple. They enjoyed spending time outdoors, going fishing in Northern Missouri, and making several cross-country trips with their son Andrew to visit Hattie in Seattle. Irven died February 21, 1972.

In 1978, Mary Frances moved to Seattle, to be near to her son and sister. She kept her own independent home, and enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, talking with friends, and helping the causes of the Democratic Women. She joined Grace United Methodist Church, and was in charge of the acolytes, preparation of the altar, and other activities in the church. On her 100th birthday, she shared the secret to her longevity: “Be nice to everyone, and keep your faith.”

Following a brief hospitalization, Mary Frances Walker passed away peacefully February 18, 2016. She is survived by her son Andrew L. Walker (Seattle, WA), niece Sylvia M. George (Los Angeles, CA), cousin Wallace Jones (Kansas City, MO), God-daughter Madeline Kimmich (Orlando, FL), step-niece Montez Kimcy (Portland, OR), and cherished friends in Joplin and Seattle.

Graveside Service
Thursday, February 25, 2016
11:00 AM
Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery
415 N. St. Louis Ave
Joplin, Missouri 64801