Linda Presley Walker

Linda Presley Walker (age 79), of Chattanooga, TN died peacefully Wednesday evening, November 22, 2017, at The Cumberland in Nashville, TN. 

Linda was born and raised in the small town of Monterey, Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. She was born October 6, 1938, to the late Olon and Minnie Presley.  She was raised by her mother, a single, widowed mom, who worked at the local grocery store. Things were not easy, but there was always love and security in their home.  Then, on one cold and snowy night, she met Jim Walker, the love of her life.  Before long they were married, living in Chattanooga, with three children. She lived a life of service to the public, and possessed a keen and impressive intellect through self-education.

After her own children were in school, Linda began teaching preschool at St. John United Methodist Church in Chattanooga.  Before long, she advanced to become the Director.  Almost single-handed, Linda developed its Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten program.  Her love of the children and her dedication to their education is a lasting legacy that will live on through lives of her students.

Linda was always involved in Democratic politics.  She began as a volunteer in Al Gore Jr.’s Chattanooga office.  Again, Linda’s intellect, warm personality and wisdom elevated her to the Director of that office.  She worked tirelessly in the 1992 Presidential election, and after the Clinton/Gore victory, Mr. Gore offered her a position in the Administration, and Linda moved to Washington.  She received multiple accolades.  After eight years of dedicated and faithful service, Linda retired and moved back to Chattanooga.

In retirement, Linda and Jim lived an idyllic life on Lake Chickamauga.  Together with Jim, she enjoyed time with their grandchildren and pursued their passions of  fishing, traveling and gardening. 

Mrs Walker is survived by three children, Mike (Kelley) of Chattanooga, Lisa (Bill) of Nashville, Dee (Karen) of Louisville, TN; two granddaughters Camy and Presley; one brother Charles (Dorothy); one sister Donna (David); and several nieces and cousins.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Walker and one sister, Ann Presley England.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 pm, Sunday, November 26, 2017, at St. John United Methodist Church, in Chattanooga, TN.  Interment will follow in Ooltewah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. John United Methodist Playground Fund, 3921 Murray Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.  The fund will be established by Linda’s family in honor of Jim and Linda Walker.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 4-8 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road  and on Sunday from 2 pm until 2:30 pm at St. John United Methodist Church.

Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family and view the memorial tribute.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.

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