Ethel Ruth Edwards Walker

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.