Joan Rike Walker, age 74 of Franklin, TN. joined her heavenly Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 12, 2018. Joan was born January 17, 1944 in Battle Creek MI. Preceded in death by son, James Stephen Walker; parents, James & Elizabeth Rike. Survived by husband of 51 years, Ted F. Walker of Franklin, TN; sons, Theodore F. Walker Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Michael Kerr (Sarina) Walker of Columbia, TN; brother, James H. Rike, Jr. of Riviera Beach, FL; sister, Anne (Mike) Taylor of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Theodore F. “T.J.” Walker III, and Catherine Anne Walker. Joan graduated from Knoxville West High School in 1961 and the University of Tennessee in 1966. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. After her marriage in 1967, she taught second grade for two years providing supplemental income to get Ted through law school. Then she became a wonderful mother and life companion. She was an accomplished homemaker, artist, photographer, and horticulturist, as evidenced by the gardens she planted, watercolors and oils that she painted, and rooms that she decorated. She maintained a close bond with numerous friends throughout her life. She especially loved, cherished, and nourished her special groups of friends: The Cute Girlfriends of Knoxville, The Grassland Girls, The Moosettes, and Edna’s Bible Study Class. She attended Grace Chapel Church. Family will receive friends from 10-12 on Saturday, June 2, with celebration of life to follow at an unconfirmed location. Keep informed about location and updates at http://williamsonmemorial.com/book-of-memories/3483578/Walker-Margaret-Joan-Rike/obituary.php. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.gracechapel.net, www.intouch.org. or the charity of your choice.
