Wilma Walker

July 2, 1931 - February 27, 2015

Wilma Helen Powers Walker passed away early Friday morning at Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center in Apex after a long period of declining health.

Known as "Wilma" to all her family and friends, she was born in Maple Hill on July 2, 1931 to the late Fennell and Mabel Powers. Wilma attended Pender County public schools before finishing her senior year at New Hanover High School in Wilmington. She then became the first member of her family to attend college, enrolling at Women's College in Greensboro in 1949. In 1950, Wilma married her high school sweetheart, Wilbur Lincoln Walker of Watha and they subsequently moved to Raleigh where Wilbur was a student at State College and Wilma would work for the Walker Martin Company. In 1955, they moved to Apex where their first child was born. In 1958, they moved to Goldston and later in that year, a second child was born.

A fine cook, an avid reader and always busy in the home throughout the 1960's, Wilma also found the time to be actively engaged in the activities of the Goldston Women's Club and the local Democratic Party at the precinct level. Her greatest contribution to her community was in giving her time and energy to the creation of a public library for the town of Goldston. In the late 60's, Wilma began employment as a Librarian/Media Assistant in the public schools of Chatham County, a career path she would follow until retiring in the early 90's. Retirement allowed Wilma the opportunity to return to her life-long interest in art. She was very talented in several different media including oil paint, charcoal, water color, pen and ink, and pastels. She also possessed a beautiful handwriting admired by many which could justly be considered calligraphy.

Wilma is survived by her husband Wilbur of the home; son Lin Walker and wife Margie of Cape Carteret; daughter Carol Foster and husband Alan of Fuquay-Varina; grandsons Michael and Kent of Raleigh; grandaughters Rachel and Lauren of Fuquay-Varina and brother Fennell of Burgaw.
The family would like to express our gratitude for the care provided in the home over the years by Elizabeth Hartley, Carmen P. Diver, Lynn Phillips, Peggy Beavers and Louise Gilchrist; the excellent care provided by the 200 Hall staff of Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Apex over the past 4 years and the additional support over the past 3 months by Transitions LifeCare.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrell's Funeral Home of Burgaw and you are encouraged to view Wilma's obituary at the Harrell's website (www.harrellsfh.com) and leave your comments, thoughts, and remembrances in the Guestbook there. Wilma will be buried in the Powers' Cemetery in Maple Hill and a celebration of her life will be held at a later time. Should you wish to honor Wilma's memory, please consider a contribution to Chatham County Animal Rescue, the Goldston Public Library, a charity of your choice or simply read a good book.