Mary Hortence Walker

Mary Hortence Walker entered into her heavenly home shortly after midnight on October 21, 2023 in Winnsboro, Texas, where she had been a resident of Autumn Winds Assisted Living. She was greeted by her Lord, Creator, and Savior and a host of family and friends. She was the last of 10 siblings to make her final trip to her eternal home.

Mary H. Hill Walker was born on September 9, 1925 in Titus County, Texas to William Bailey Hill and Mary Ann Smith Hill. She grew up in the Monticello Community and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Buster S. Walker. During WWII, Buster was serving in the Coast Guard. While he was on leave, they were secretly married, not telling even her family. She was in the senior year at high school and wanted to graduate. During that time period, a school would expel anyone for being married. Mary had a desire to get her diploma and graduate. As the war was ending, their first child, Billy, was born. Later, Bobby, Cherrise, and John would complete their happy family.

Hortence was a very compassionate and loving person, and she was always willing to help anyone in need in any way she could. Being raised in the country, she loved to preserve the bounty of the land. In fact, she found it hard to refuse any fruits or vegetables passed on for canning. She was a wonderful cook and could take a few items and turn them into a delicious southern meal.

She and Buster were members of the First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant where they enjoyed fellowship for many years. Even when she could no longer attend church, she enjoyed visits by Dr. Clint and fellow church members who stopped by to visit, to bring flowers, or meals. She was always eager to know what was happening at the church. Thank you to those who made her day brighter. For many years, she and Buster had been members of the Good Sams Club, in which they had enjoyed travel, camping, and friendship.

Hortence is survived by her three children: Bobby B. Walker and wife Cynthia; Cherrise (Cher) Underwood and her husband Billy Joe; her son John H. Walker and his wife Beverly; and one daughter-in-law, Carolyn S. Walker, all of Titus County, Texas. She is survived by 9 grandchildren, Ben Walker, Misty Fulcher, David Walker, Jeff Clark, Cara Rodgers, Lisa Anderson, Eran Walker, Cassie Smith, and Clint Walker. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buster; son, Billy F. Walker; and grandson, Jeremy Clark. Her 9 siblings, all preceded her in death and were waiting for her arrival in Heaven.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM with a visitation held one hour before the service with a burial to follow at Monticello Cemetery.

An online registry is now available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.

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