Obituary of Marilyn Jean Walker

MARION, Va.: MARILYN JEAN WALKER, age 71 passed away peacefully December 9, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 27, 1944 in Chicago, Ill. to Marjorie Gay. Mrs. Walker was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher of Spanish and German. Known to her students as “Señora”, she touched and inspired many young lives throughout her career in Henrico, Wythe and Smyth counties and later at Emory and Henry College. She loved languages and traveling and enjoyed introducing her students to foreign cultures. Her infectious joy and enthusiasm were an inspiration to many. Marilyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion where she was a leader in the Stephen Ministry and a member of the handbell choir. Faith and family were a very important part of her life. She was preceded in death by her mother. Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, Gene Walker of Marion, Va,; son, Scott Suarez and wife, Pia Terranova of Oxford, Ohio; daughter, Julie Walker and husband, Brian Walker of Marion, Va.; son, Michael Suarez of Bozeman, Mont.; step-daughter, Beth Farris and husband, Brian Farris of Marion, Va.; sisters, Cathy Gooch of The Colony, Texas and Barbara Ferguson of Havre, Mont.; five grandchildren, Taylor, Hayley, Elliott, Oliver and Miles; and too many special friends to name. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend David Woody officiating. Burial will follow in Middle Fork Cemetery, Seven-Mile-Ford, Va. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the following programs: Stephen Minstry, Handbell Choir, or Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church Street, Marion VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Walker Family.