Dolores Marie Walker “Dodie” 96 of Orlando FL passed away on Monday March 2, 2020 at her home. She was born in Caseyville Ill on December 19,1923, daughter of late Ernest and Viola Weissert. Dodie attended and graduated from Collinsville High School. She was married to the love of her life James Walker “Art” on May 16th, 1946 in Belleville Ill. They had two wonderful children Greg Walker and Judy Adamson, married to David Adamson. Three grandchildren who were her most prized gift Tammy Garner married to Coby Garner, Jimmy Walker married to Briget Walker and Jeff Walker married to Shari Walker. Dodie had five beautiful great grandchildren Kaitlyn Garner, Kayle Garner, Tyler Garner, Abigail Walker and Lincoln Walker.
Dodie grew up on a farm where she helped her family grow crops and raise farm animals. At an early age she developed a life long love of animals she would often plead with her Dad to keep the farm animals as her pets. There wasn’t an animal she didn’t love. Dodie also had a passion for gardening, she enjoyed growing her own vegetables and flowers. She and Art shared a love of travel, they traveled across the United States. Some of her favorite places were Canada, San Francisco, Arizona, New York and the US Virgin Islands. Dodie had an affection for the St. Louis Cardinals so much so her and Art would listen to games on the radio when they weren’t televised. One of Dodie’s biggest accomplishments was helping build four homes by hand. She would lay bricks, put up walls, mix cement, whatever it took to finish their home. She was a homemaker for most of her life, and then became an Optical Technician when she realized her interest in optometry.
Dodie’s greatest love was for that of her family. Family always came first for her so much so that she packed up her little family and moved from Illinois to Florida for her son’s health. She would show off pictures of her family to any stranger that would listen. Dodie always told stories about those pictures and would say “I’m so lucky”. She could always find the good in each family member and made a point to let them know. When you were with her you could feel the love, she had for you. Love was the most abundant gift she gave to her family, she showed it when it was needed most. She demonstrated what unconditional love looks like, her love for Art was the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. We can only hope to find that love, hold on tight and enjoy the ride. We will miss her more than she knows but she taught us all well. Here’s to loving like Dodie!
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