Shirley Jean Ward Walker

Shirley Jean Ward Walker, 89, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Born on April 12, 1937, in Titus, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. Lee Ward and Ima Lazelle Kelley Ward. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Jackson Walker, (Bob) who passed away in 2023.

Shirley was employed with RMWC, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Science Department for many years until her retirement. Throughout her life, Shirley was a very talented seamstress who greatly enjoyed making outfits her family. Her textile talents extended to making draperies, pillows and many other items for her home and the homes of her children. In her younger years she was an accomplished bridge player, tennis player and excellent cook. She loved taking walks from her home on Locksview Road, down Peakland Place, and reading on her deck. She found peace and gratification in both activities. Shirley was a kind, thoughtful and generous wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be always remembered for her acts of service to her family and willingness to help others.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ann Walker Helak and her husband, Matt, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; her son, Robert Kevin Walker and his wife, Beverly, of Greenville, North Carolina; and her beloved sisters, Paulette Ward Watson of Rockford, Alabama, and Tina Ward of Alabama.

She is also survived by four grandchildren, Annparke Sullivan Hill, Austin Walker, Walker Sullivan and Carson Walker Yates, three great-grandchildren, Fallon Yates, Kennedy Hill and Merritt Yates as well as many beloved nieces and nephews throughout the country.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Archie Lee Ward, Robert Kelley Ward, Carolyn Ward Selman and Peggy Ward Heath.

A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, with the date and time to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Westminster Canterbury Foundation or the charity of their choosing.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.