Jean Thomas Walker

Jean was preceded in death by her mother Rosa Shipman Faulk and father John Marvin Thomas. In addition, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Woodfin (Woody) Walker. Jean is survived by her daughter Cassandra Durham of Marietta, Georgia, son Dr. Timothy Walker of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and son and daughter-in law Jeff and Kelli Walker of Tallahassee. Jean was the proud grandmother of Daphne Durham, Ligon Durham, Michael Durham, Andrew Walker, Seth Walker, Ansley Walker, Mark Thomas Walker, Lydia Walker, Caroline Walker, and Scott Walker. In addition, Jean had four great grandsons: Adam Durham, Reid Durham, Colin Copley, and Connor Copley. She is also survived by a brother John Thomas (Mildred) of Dothan, Alabama as well as long-time friend and beloved caregiver Patty Brown.

During her youth, Jean lived in both southern Alabama and north Florida. Jean loved the music of her era. She beautifully played the piano by ear and regularly attended USO dances at Ft. Rucker. She graduated from Dale County High School. Little did she know that she would meet the love of her life when her record player broke. She walked into Wyatt Belcher’s Electronics Shop with her record player tucked under her arm and local boy, Woody Walker, who was working at the store, fixed it for her. Jean married Woodfin Walker on December 8, 1946 in Newton, Alabama.

During their early years of marriage, Woody was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Jean enjoyed life in Montgomery and started a family, learned to play bridge, was a member of The First Baptist Church, and organized a garden club for her neighborhood.

In 1968, the family moved to Tallahassee, Florida, when Woody accepted a job with WFSU-TV. Jean was the epitome of a true southern lady and was the consummate homemaker and hostess. Jean was active in her sons’ school activities, played bridge in three bridge clubs, founded the Dogwood Garden Circle, served as a den mother for her son’s Boy Scout Troop and was a March of Dimes Captain. In addition, she religiously watched collegiate football, rooting especially for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She took great delight in decorating her home beautifully and loved her flowers. She was an amazingly skilled cook, and her home was always filled with delightful smells and aromas drifting from the kitchen. Although she cooked all dishes very well and made everything from scratch, she was well-known for her chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, fried okra, and decadent desserts. At any given time, she would have two or three cakes on hand. Jean had a special knack for improving any recipe that she was given and she catered to please any palette whether it be for her husband, children, grandchildren, or guests. Jean could set a beautiful table and loved collecting china and silver, most of which came from her favorite department stores Montgomery Fair and Gayfers.

Jean was a doting and nurturing grandmother and adored her grandchildren. Visits to her house were always enjoyable for the grandchildren because she ensured she always prepared their favorite foods, they could watch their favorite TV shows, and she would play games with them for countless hours. Jean had many gifts and attributes, but most noteworthy was her role as a caregiver. She had an uncanny ability to attend to a person’s every need, making them feel extra special and loved.

The family would like to thank the staff of Seven Hills Health and Rehabilitation, Dr. Donald Zorn, and Dr. Richard Thacker for their care.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian, Centerville Road. A visitation will be held at Culley’s MeadowWood, 700 Timberlane Road, Sunday, March 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice 1723 Mahan Center Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308.