JoAnn Walker

March 7, 1937 - September 3, 2020

JoAnn Bowen Walker, age 83, died Thursday, September 03, 2020 in Jackson, Tennessee after a brief illness, surrounded by family at her daughter’s home. She was born March 7, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of John “Ned” and Leona White Bowen. JoAnn was a 1956 graduate of Hereford High School (Maryland), worked as a secretary for Bendix and then for the Baltimore Gas Company. She married Guy C. Walker on October 26, 1957 in Millers, Maryland. They moved to Jackson, TN after several moves for the military. JoAnn was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. She was president of the Concordia Lutheran Alter Guild and was the secretary (several terms) for the Concordia Ladies Auxiliary and also volunteered weekly at the Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) thrift store. She was a teachers’ aid, then a full-time teacher for the Concordia Lutheran Pre- School, retiring after many years of teaching. JoAnn’s special interests and hobbies included crafting, crocheting, sewing and quilting, and was an avid reader. She is survived by six children, Donna Walker, Debbie (David) Cates, Darcie (Chris) Walker, Rickie (Sherry) Walker, Denise (Benny) Hopper and Delaina (Paul) Varnick; eleven grandchildren, Dustin (Meredith) McKeel, Whitney Tyson, Nick Tyson, Jacob (Katherine) Walker, Devan Walker, Anna Walker, Nathan (Michayla) Walker, Joshua (Mandy) Hopper, Jessica Hopper, Andrew (Whitley) Varnick, and Erin (Harry) Lovelace; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Danny (Patty) Bowen: one sister, Barbara (Archie) McLaughlin; and many nieces and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers Miles Bowen and Jack Bowen; a sister, Maxine Myers; and one grandson, Dillon (Brittany) McKeel. She will be remembered as a bright and shining light by her family, and in the church and various communities where she served. SERVICES: The family will be receiving family and friends on Saturday, September 5, 2020, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with a funeral service following at 11:00 A.M. at Concordia Lutheran Church with Reverend Eric Rudsenske officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Social Distancing and masks are to be observed for the visitation and service. Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 731-668-1111  www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com