Joy LaRue Walker

Joy LaRue Walker of Baytown, Texas, peacefully passed away on November 8, 2023, at the age of 97. Born on July 14, 1926, in Honea, Texas, Joy led a life filled with love, devotion and cherished memories.

Joy lived a life devoted to family and friends. She is survived by her children: John Walker (Nancy), Deborah Walker Jentsch (Kurt), James Walker, and David Walker (Cindy). She loved her grandchildren 'way too much': Kyle Walker (Whitney), Ryan Walker, Caleb Jentsch, Kaitlyn Sinclair (Jared), Sarah Kate Jentsch, Duncan Price (Michelle) Clark Price (Sutton) and six precious great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death, Joy was reunited with her beloved husband, Walter Raymond (Woody) Walker, as well as her parents, Alvin Stuart Loeffler and Annie Lillian Loeffler.

Joy's professional journey began before she graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. During WW II, she taught school in Huffman, Texas, where she would teach students who remained her lifelong friends. Returning to the University of Texas, she completed her degree and continued to make a profound impact on the lives of students. Joy's teaching career led her to Corpus Christi and Pasadena, Texas, before settling in Goose Creek ISD in Baytown, where she dedicated over 30 years of her life. Along with teaching in the public school system, Joy taught a Sunday school class at Memorial Baptist Church.

In her retirement years, Joy (and Woody) played golf, attended grandkids' activities, enjoyed time at church, spent time in Wimberley with family and friends, played dominoes and did their best to enjoy the “gift of years.”

Friends, who are many, were as important to Joy as family. She treasured times of knowing more about each of her friends and was intentional in doing so. She held many memories of the people in her life and shared those memories through scrapbooks and stories.

In her final years, Joy continued using her gift of teaching. She would instruct each caregiver, nurse, therapist and whomever would listen — a simple way to remember Proverbs 3:5-6 and encourage them to “look at the birds” as in Matthew 6. Many testified that she made a positive impact in their life, and most would be able to sing along with her, "What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see."

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home, at 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas. A heartfelt funeral service will take place on Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, at 600 W. Sterling Ave, Baytown, Texas. Following the service, a final committal ceremony will be held at Cedarcrest Cemetery, at 3010 Ferry Road, Baytown, Texas.

The family would like to thank Mother’s caregivers both in her home and at Swan Manor Assisted Living, for caring for her and loving her well. In honor of Joy's memory, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Memorial Baptist Church of Baytown.

Joy LaRue Walker is remembered as a favorite teacher, a good friend and one of a kind. She will be missed by all.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Walker family.