Dedra Utley Walker passed away on May 23, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of love for her family and dedicated service to her community. Born on March 27, 1960, Dedra lived a vibrant life marked by leadership, grace, and devotion to those she held dear.
Dedra’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving mother, Ann Collins; her beloved daughter, Lauren Walker Butler, and her husband Taylor; her stepson, Luke Walker, and his wife Katie; and Max Walker, the father of her children.
She was a deeply cherished grandmother, affectionately known as Deeda, to her two grandsons, Walker Edward Butler and Wells Abernathy Butler, who were the lights of her life, second only to her daughter, Lauren. She also leaves behind her faithful fur baby, Jules, who was a constant source of comfort and joy.
She is additionally survived by her devoted sister, Teri Utley Gurley, and her husband Joe; her step sister, Nicole Henshaw; her nephews, Landon Gurley (Marci) and Jordan Gurley; her precious great-nieces and great-nephew, Rayne, Ann Rivers, and Gunner Gurley; and her step nieces, Caroline and Katherine Lily Henshaw. She also leaves behind a circle of friends who were truly like family; though they are too numerous to list, their love and presence have carried the family through this incredibly difficult time.
Dedra was reunited in death with her fathers, Billy Wayne Utley and Gene Collins, who preceded her.
Professionally, Dedra was a force of leadership and integrity. She enjoyed a prestigious 40-year career at Hamilton-Ryker, where she rose to serve as President, earning the deep respect of colleagues and peers across the industry. Her commitment to her community was equally remarkable. Dedra was a founding board member of the Downtown Association (now Mainstreet Corinth), a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, and a member of Vistage. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she was a member of First Baptist Church.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 AM till service time at 2 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Henry Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Landon Gurley, Jordan Gurley, Luke Walker, David Shipman, Bryce Null, and Grant Little. Honorary pallbearers will be Kelly McCreight and Wayne McCreight.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dedra’s memory to causes close to her heart: the Alcorn County Humane Society or the McNairy County Humane Society.
