Shirley Walker Smith

Shirley was born on November 19, 1939, in Beckley, WV, to the late Walter Grannison Stephens and Mabel Clerisy Walker. Shirley’s career spanned several decades working in supervisory positions at adult care facilities culminating in her retirement as Dietary Manager from Winterhaven Assisted Living. She loved her family and friends dearly and enjoyed spending time with them – especially her three grandsons, who adored her. In the warmer months you would almost always find her sitting on her front porch watching the birds on her many feeders and bird houses. She always looked forward to holidays and especially enjoyed hosting them at her home. The 4th of July was a big event at her home in Scottsville where we all gathered for the parade and then a cookout afterwards. We will always cherish the special memories that she created for our family.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Lester Frazier, her brother James Stephens, and her sisters-in-law, Joan, Dorothy, and Helen.

Shirley is survived by her sons Ray Walker, Jr., and Everett Walker; her daughter, Ann Walker; her grandsons, Kyle Walker (and Kate), Caleb Grady, and Derek Walker; and her brothers, David Stephens and Gilbert Stephens, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was the glue that held our family together and was the one who always took care of all of us. We are going to miss her more than imaginable and look forward with great anticipation to seeing her again in heaven.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who supported us through these past three months. We want to especially thank our cousins, W. C. and Shelley Stephens, Debbie Collins, and Tracy Willis, who went above and beyond and were always there for us. In addition, we are grateful for the compassionate care provided by the wonderful staff at the Hospice House, by the nursing staff (especially Ashley Maupin) on Cornell 1 at Martha Jefferson Hospital, and the private sitters: Frances Maupin, Judie Cook, and Nancy Smith. A very special thanks goes out to Kate Forrer, mom’s special granddaughter, who for the past few years was a loving companion to her Grandma. We will always be grateful to each of you for your love and kindness.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 2:00 pm, at Alberene Cemetery, 5759 Alberene Road, Esmont, VA 22937 with the Reverend Warren Tillman officiating. A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont’s Hospice House or Caring for Creatures.