Ethel Ruth Edwards Walker
Monday 17th of March 1930 - Monday 5th of July 2021

Services
Visitation
Funeral Ceremony
Ethel Ruth
Edwards Walker, 91, entered this world on March 17, 1930 as the first-born and
only daughter of the late Hattie DuValle Waters and James Garfield Edwards. A tall, slender, soft-spoken and shy child,
Ethel was surrounded by the love and support of her parents, grandparents,
doting aunts and uncles, and four brothers.
Through
teachers and her church family at Third Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in Louisville, Kentucky, Ethel began to find her voice. Reading, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking;
and learning to play the upright piano that occupied a prominent space in her
family's home, all sparked her interest.
After
attending elementary and secondary schools in Louisville, Ethel graduated from
Central High School at age 17. She then
pursued several business classes before deciding to move to Lexington to live
with her aunt Ethel; to seek employment and to plan her future. Employment at the old Saint Joseph Hospital,
the Veteran’s Administration Hospital and the Lexington-Fayette County schools
were stops on that journey.
At age 15,
while attending a youth conference at East Second Street Christian Church (DOC),
Ethel was introduced to a young man, John David Walker, III by his youngest
sister, Harriett. Ethel remarked, “That
fellow keeps staring at me”. That introduction
lead to a four-year courtship and a nearly fifty-year marriage. To this union two daughters, Sharon and Doris
were born. Ethel and John became parents
who expected good behavior and encouraged a love of learning; reading; hard
work; church attendance and following one’s dreams.
In later
years, family additions and the career choices of their daughters made travel a
necessity to maintain their relationships.
Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and
Wisconsin soon became places to go. Side
trips to Canada, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, South Dakota, and New
York were also required. Wading in the
Atlantic Ocean; enjoying the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street; touring The
King Center and The Carter Center; and a picnic/concert at scenic Stone
Mountain Park in Georgia all became part of their experiences. Oh how exciting life became.
Ethel loved her grandchildren. Whether playing basketball in the driveway or donning a swimsuit for a dip in the pool at the coaxing of her great- grandson, Ethel was up for the challenge.
Lastly, Ethel was a woman of faith. In the stillness of the night and at the break of dawn you could hear her pray. For the last twenty years, she found a church home at Central Christian Church. As her health began to wane she found a family.
Ethel was preceded
in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, James Garfield Edwards, Jr.,
William Thomas Edwards and Robert Conley Edwards.
She is
survived by daughters, Dr. Sharon A. Walker (Lexington) and Dr. Doris Walker-Dalhouse
(Dr. A. Derick Dalhouse) (Cedarburg, Wisconsin); one granddaughter, Yanick
Dalhouse (Las Vegas, Nevada); one grandson, Jean-Pierre Dalhouse (Moorhead,
Minnesota); and one great-grandson, Colby Dalhouse. She is also survived by one brother, Carl
Edwards (Cincinnati, Ohio); two sisters-in-law, Sophia Eubanks (Houston,
Texas); and Era Edwards (Carl) (Cincinnati); and a host of nieces, nephews;
great nieces and nephews and dear friends.
On Monday,
July 5, 2021, a band of angels entered a room at Mayfair Manor and escorted Ethel
to a new home in heaven to be with God and dad.
We will miss you dearly, but we will love you always and forever.
Visitation
will be on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 10 am to 11:30 am followed by a service
at 11:45 am, Milward-Man O' War, 1509 Trent Blvd.
Donations may be made
in Mrs. Walker's memory to the American Diabetes Association.
By request of the
family it is recommended that all adults and children wear a face covering to
the visitation and service.
Guest Book
Esteva Caise Draggs
saysMy deepest sympathy and condolences to Doris and Sharon for your loss. Continued prayers and comfort for you and the entire family at this difficult time.
Patricia White
saysMy deepest condolences to you and your family, Doris. I am so sorry to hear of her passing! I am sending up prayers for comfort at this most difficult time! The Lord be with you and keep you is my prayer 🙏🏾
Elsie Medlin
saysWishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Margie Wilson
saysTo my sweet friend Ms. Ethel, I will truly miss you. You were my co - worker when we first met... but most importantly you became my friend. I will miss our friendship and talks. You blessed my life and for that I thank you. God has welcomed you with opened arms. I love you my friend! Prayers & love for the Walker family! 🙏🙏