Obituary of Alma Walker

Alma Irene Walker, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Houston, TX. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27th, 2015, at the First Church Of The Nazarene in Abernathy, TX, with Rev. Gary Hughes, grandson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy. Irene was born in Wellington, TX, on May 6, 1919, to Ziba and Lora Andrew. Her family moved to Portales, NM where she finished her high school education. It was at the Nazarene Church in Portales where Irene met the love of her life, Tella Walker. They were married June 7, 1938. After they were married, the happy couple settled in Artesia, NM where Tella worked in the grocery business until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. While her husband served his country overseas, Irene moved to Bethany, OK where her family had moved. There, she worked as a shoe salesperson and enrolled in Bethany Peniel College. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1949 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She worked in the public school system as a teacher until her retirement in 1982. Irene and Tella made their home in Abernathy, TX until retiring in Bethany, OK. Together they lived a very full and productive life. Irene is preceded in death by her husband Tella Walker, daughter Gayla Hughes and son Royce Walker. Survivors include her son Duane Walker and wife Sharla of Houston, TX; Grandsons Gary Duane Hughes and wife Kristi, Mark Hughes and wife Amanda, Mike Hughes, and Brandon Hughes and wife Jennifer all of Lubbock, TX; Granddaughter Bridgit Walker of Austin, TX and many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. The family suggests donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America. Condolences may be offered at www.AbellFuneralHome.com.