Kathryn Jean Walker

Kathryn Jean Vickers Walker “Kitty”, 94, of West Madison, WV took her last breath August 2, 2025 at Harmony at Southridge. She did not want to leave her children but her body and spirit became too tired after fighting valiantly after a stroke in 2022. She was Salutatorian of her 1949 graduating class at Scott High School in Madison, WV. Her goal was to be a Home Economics teacher. Instead, she married Ribel (Bib) Walker and had six children. Despite being deaf in one ear all of her life and partially deaf in the other ear, Kitty’s creative mind was utilized from age 14 to 91 as a pianist in addition to serving as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School worker at the Gospel Center Tabernacle. Kitty almost lost her life in 1988, but God intervened and gave her 37 bonus years to continue her piano playing, to improve her cardmaking skills, and to spend time with her family and beloved pets Ginger and Sammy. She was grateful for every day and valued education, art, music, exercise, family, and God.

Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, Ward Raymond and Irene Vickers, her husband, Ribel H. Walker “Bib”, son Kenny Walker, and sisters Edith Caudill and Juanita Walker, and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children: John Walker of South Charleston, WV, Nancy Hale (Jerry) of Gray, TN, Rada Walker of Waco, TX, Deloris Aultman (Phil) of Groesbeck, TX, Kevin Walker (Shawna) of South Charleston, WV and daughter-in-law Vicki of Hiawassee, GA. Grandchildren include: Matthew Hale (Pat), Mark Hale (Emily), Sarah Nazarian (Jared), Joe Walker (Abby), Chad Aultman (Maegin), Chris Aultman (Myka), Lindsey Walker, Emily Stevens (Troy), Jacob Walker and Kayla Jones (Dylan). Great grandchildren include Ashley Ellis (Jared), Morgan Evans (Glenn), Max and Eleanor Hale, Emery, Ruby, Mabry, Judah, and Suzy Nazarian, Bruin and Marrah Aultman, Colin Roy, Teresa Stevens, and Archie Jones. Great-great grandchildren include Anderson and Lainee Jo Ellis, and Brooks Evans. All of her nieces and nephews on the Vickers and Walker sides of the family were very dear to her heart as well as her special neighbor and friend, Maddox Charcandy, who was like a grandson to her.

Heartfelt thanks to those at Harmony at Southridge and Hospice who tenderly cared for Kitty. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Kanawha Hospice.

Services will be held at the Gospel Center Tabernacle in West Madison. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m. with Tim Butcher and Walter Gore officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens on Low Gap Road, Madison, WV.  Handley Funeral Home in Danville is assisting the family.