Cora Walker

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Mrs. Cora Walker, 86, of Blytheville, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at her home.

Born in Turrell to the late Alfred and Alberta Williams, she moved to Dell with her family when she was young and was a member of First Baptist Church.

She married the late Burchon Walker on Oct. 24, 1946. To this union, nine children were born. She raised the children, ages 5 to 16, as a single parent after the death of her husband in 1963. There was no welfare or food stamps. She trusted and depended on the Lord. She worked as a housekeeper for many families in Dell and her children worked in the fields. All the while, she made sure her children attended school, church and learned how to take care of themselves. She welcomed anyone who needed a meal or a helping hand. Though she didn't have much, she always had enough to share.

Later, the family relocated to Blytheville, and Walker worked at hotels, schools and the hospitals.

A wonderful cook, people said she could make a good-tasting meal out of just about anything. She cooked and canned food for her family; made jellies, jams and even homemade peach brandy, grape and watermelon wine. Her homemade jam cake is a Christmas tradition.

She worked to support her family with yard sales and plants, which she repotted and grew. She dreamed of owning her own business. At age 75, she opened Cora's Bargain Center, and operated it until her health failed. It was estimated that she had over 500 plants at one time.

She was finely known as "Ms. Cora," the hat lady, because she always wore a straw hat. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called her "GranMa Cora."

At 86 years old, with multiple health concerns, she still found strength to give encouraging words, tell you how to cook a meal and tell you about the Lord.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred Williams Jr., Ben Williams and Doc Williams; and two sons, Howard and Robert.

Mrs. Walker leaves three daughters, Minnie Jones of San Antonio, Texas, Virginia Young of Munford, Tennessee and Rose (Joe) Nichols of Blytheville;

Four sons, the Rev. Burchon (Mary Helen) Walker of Spring City, Tennessee, Benjamin (Sharon) Walker of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Curtis (Barbara) Walker and Alfred (Alice) Walker, both of Blytheville;

Two sisters, Aretimus (James) Hall of Cleveland, Ohio, and Alberta Hall of Madison, Ohio;

One brother, Hosie Williams of Toledo, Ohio; and

Forty grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greater Jeremiah Spiritual Church of Christ with Bishop Roscoe Roberson officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens.

The family will receive visitors from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Greater Jeremiah Spiritual Church of Christ in Blytheville.