Loretta Walker

Funeral services for Loretta Salisbury Walker, 86, of Avinger, are scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, Texas with Pastor Seth Buckner officiating. A time of visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. preceding the services.

Loretta Salisbury Walker was born in Oil City, Louisiana on September 24, 1938, to Cecil and Ela Mae Barber Salisbury. She grew up and frequently moved within Louisiana and Texas, as her father worked in the oil fields for Texaco.

She met the love of her life, Joe Ronald Walker, while working at the Colonial Drive-In theater in White Oak, Texas. She had been hired to work at the concession stand and he was a projectionist. They were married on August 2, 1956, in Center, Texas and were married 67 years. In 1958, they were blessed with their precious son, Steve.

In 1955, Joe joined the newly formed United States Air Force. The family traveled to serve in many locations including Mississippi, New Mexico, Tripoli, Hawaii, Labrador, and Alaska during Joe’s 18 years of service. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, they moved to Houston, where Joe worked for, and eventually retired from, Shell Oil. After retirement, they wanted to move back to East Texas, so they bought property in Eagle Landing near Avinger, and built a home. They enjoyed good times with friends, traveling, and spoiling all their fur and feather “babies”, as well as being active in First Baptist Church Avinger.

Loretta enjoyed painting, crocheting, gardening, and preparing the flower arrangements for First Baptist Church in Avinger.

Loretta Walker was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Brenda Jo Walker, and several beloved pets. Those left to cherish her memory are son Steve Walker and wife Peggy of Jefferson, grandsons Simon Walker and wife Shannon of Phoenix, Arizona, Kyle Walker and wife Christine of Phoenix, Arizona.

Honorary pallbearers are the staff of Cypress Place Assisted Living Facility and Brittany, Jessie, Ashley, and Carla from Accentcare Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Friends of Jefferson Animals.

The family acknowledges and appreciates all your kindnesses and prayers.