Corinna Thomas Walker, 87, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at home in Montrose, Alabama.
Born in Ferrum, Virginia, the daughter of Lonnie M. Rakes and Joel E. Thomas, she attended Radford College and graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in nursing in 1950.
She worked 17 years in Durham at Duke University and the Veterans Administration Hospitals.
In 1967, she married Dr. Rhett Pringle Walker Sr. and moved to Mobile, Alabama and later to Montrose on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, where she was a dedicated wife and mother for 43 years. She also continued to work as a nurse and later enthusiastically volunteered at the St. Paul's Thrift Store into her mid-80s.
She loved Virginia and kept her childhood roots close to her heart and also cherished her Durham friendships. She was remarkably generous, patient, gracious, and always welcoming to both friends and family.
She was an exceptional cook and greatly enjoyed travel, tennis, gardening, walking on the beach, children and babies, and Duke basketball.
Most of all she was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, stepmother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt and friend.
She leaves her husband of 49 years, Dr. Rhett P. Walker Sr.; along with their children, Patricia W. McGaughrin, (Brian), Pamela W. Oury (Jim), Karen W. Keel (Michael), Rhett P. Walker Jr. (Alison), Joel T. Walker (Kira), Mary Motte W. Fikri (Mete); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Algeria T. Ingram; and many other loving relatives.
Visitation will be held at Malone Hall at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama on Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 11 a.m. at Montrose Cemetery (7370 Sibley St., Montrose, Alabama), arranged by Hughes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama, American Cancer Society, or Mobile Baykeeper.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com.
Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory of Daphne.
