Nelma Noreen Walker, age 91, Carl Junction, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, with family by her side.

Noreen was born November 4, 1929, in Joplin, daughter of the late Homer and Beulah Sours. She attended Joplin High School, but health issues forced her to leave before completing her 12th year. School officials had asked her to please stay to complete the senior year because she was to be valedictorian of her class; however, she was unable to do so. She was a pastor’s wife all of her adult life after marrying J.C. Walker February 25th, 1949. She was devoted to both her biological family and church family. She was a long-time member of Lone Elm Pentecostal Church where she was actively involved as music director, pianist, and church treasurer/secretary. She stayed constantly active in her roles until hospitalized July 3rd.

In addition to her parents, Noreen was preceded in death by her son, Terry Lee Walker in 2006; her sisters, Anita Matney, Nina Yarbrough, Nadine Couch and Norma Jean Walker; and, her brother, Wesley Sours.

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Rev. J.C. Walker; daughter, Toni Lynn Burlingame and husband Bill of Joplin. Grandson, Brian Burlingame of Kansas City, Missouri. Grandson, Zachary Walker and wife Hannah of Carl Junction and great grandchildren Anora and Alayna Walker. She loved her step grandchildren, Brett Burlingame of Joplin, and Shawn Burlingame and wife Nerissa of Carl Junction, and great grandchildren, Alyssia and Dylan Burlingame.

Memorial services will be private due to the current COVID situation. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.