LaVonda Mae Walker

LaVonda Mae Walker, 82, of Senath, Mo., widow of James Walker, passed from this life Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born and raised in Leachville, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Zona Jones Gooch and had been a longtime resident of southeast Missouri. A 1956 graduate of Leachville High School, she completed her program of studies in cosmetology at Delta Vocational College in Marked Tree and was the owner/operator of Walker Bail Bonds for over 28 years. LaVonda was respectfully and lovingly referred to as “The Godmother” by family and friends. She had been a lifelong member of the former Happy Corner Assembly of God Church where she served as pianist for many years. After the church consolidated with the Leachville Assembly of God she continued to serve in that capacity for several years. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Dexter Milligan, and two sisters, Estel Ward and Gretha Bennett.

Survivors include four sons, Bryan Whitworth (Rise) of Kennett, Ernie Whitworth (Debbie) of Warrenville, Ill., Michael Walls (Amber) of Senath and Troy Walker (Gisela) of Paragould; three daughters, Zina Schneider (Mark) of Somonauk, Ill., Crystal Brooks (Josh) of Gosnell Joanne Walker of Campbell, Mo. She also leaves 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Michael Walls officiating. Burial followed in the Leachville Cemetery. The family received visitors Monday from noon until service time. In compliance with the state’s directive regarding COVID-19, attendance was limited, face masks and social distancing required inside the funeral home at all times.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com