WALKER, Marion Maxine

Marion Maxine Walker, 85, of Radford, Va., formerly of Knoxville, Tenn., died Saturday, May 6, 2006 at New River Medical Center, Radford.

Born July 25, 1920, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Rev. David R. Walker and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lance Walden of Knoxville.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Constance and Charles Millsaps of Radford; a daughter, Rebekah Walker of Nashville, Tenn.; brothers Bob Walden of Sevierville, Tenn. and Jim Waldin of Knoxville, Tenn.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and four nephews.

A miracle of God’s mercy and grace, Mrs. Walker was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis for 49 years, yet continued to be active in public ministry alongside her husband, a Baptist pastor and evangelist whose ministry spread across the U. S. and several foreign countries. In the years before her husband died, she led women’s conferences and prayer retreats from Canada to Ridgecrest, N. C., a Southern Baptist Retreat Center. and in numerous cities in the U. S.

As her mobility decreased, she continued to actively share her faith and her ministry on a personal level. Even in her final days, she offered her prayers and counseling to those around her and touched the lives of many.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Radford, where a memorial service will be held Monday, May 8, 2006 at 11 a.m. A final service will be held in Knoxville Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 1 p.m. in the Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel, with burial to follow in Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Dr., Knoxville, Tenn., 37918, 865-689-2121.