Margaret Alice McKay Walker, a beloved southern lady, was sung to her final rest by ‘flights of angels’ at 9:00pm, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. She was surrounded by those who loved her and whom she loved the best: her children (Lynda (Lyn) Kay Walker, Leon David (Dee) Walker III, William (Billy) Richard Walker (Tina) and grands (Samuel (Sam) David Walker, William (Will) Clay Walker (Amanda), Danielle (Dani) Wilder Walker, Margaret (Meg) Allen Walker and Addison (Addie) Katherine Lyn Walker.
Born October 5, 1931, in Ashland, Alabama, with the exception of 10 years in Orlando, Florida, Margaret spent her life in Ashland as a third generation Clay Countian. She is survived not only by her children and grandchildren, but by many adored nieces & nephews, close friends, neighbors and caregivers,* all of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents Charles (Sam) Watson McKay, Esq. and Bessie Birchfield McKay, her husband Leon (Bill) David Walker Jr, and her three brothers Charles McKay, Esq., Dr. James McKay and Dwight McKay.
Among her favorite things were entertaining and creating beautiful memories. She hosted many special parties and events at her house and in the community. Her very favorite season was Christmas and the seated family dinner she held each year for extended family was looked forward to with much anticipation by all. She often would begin decorating the entire house in October, enlisting the help of anyone within her reach to transform every room into a wonderland.
In addition to being a most wonderful Mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, she was a life-long teacher. She was fondly remembered by many whom she taught over the years, whether it be in the field as a home extension agent, the traditional classroom in elementary through high school, in night school, vocational school, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, a swimming pool or over a bridge table!
Margaret was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Ashland her entire life. While at Clay County High School, she served as valedictorian and was elected Miss CCHS. She graduated with honors from Auburn University and served as Alabama’s Maid of Cotton. Post-graduation she remained an avid supporter of her Auburn tigers, no matter what sport, no matter what season – if they were playing she was cheering for them! She was active in and an officer of the Clay County chapter of the teachers’ fraternity Delta Kappa Gamma and a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Although she greatly enjoyed travel, perhaps most especially to the seashore where she tirelessly searched for seashells and took great pleasure in identifying them; she most loved being in her home and yard with its enormous magnolia tree, seasonal flowers, songbirds and all of God’s creatures who pasted through, delighting in the beauty of each day.
Due to the current public health crisis, a small graveside service was held Sunday, July 5, 2020, at 2:00pm, at Memory Gardens in Ashland, Alabama. The family plans to have a ‘celebration of life’ memorial church service when appropriate and safe, hopefully close to her birthday. Contributions in her honor would be welcome at the First United Methodist Church of Ashland, the Clay County Rescue Squad or the charity of your choice.
*The family also extends its heartfelt thanks to her exceptional caregivers Inez Smiley, Tammy Beale and Ruby Welch. They helped fill our mother’s days with light, laughter and love. Many thanks also are extended to the staff of Lineville Health Care & Rehabilitation, Clay County Hospital, Regional Medical Center, and all the medical staff who cared for her.
