Lillian Mae Mckinney Walker

My name is Lillian Mae McKinney Walker, but I’ve had many names—my favorites were “Toots”, Mom, and MawMaw.  On Thursday, September 14, 2017, something wonderful happened.  I was made new.  My earthy pain was erased, my body restored, and I experienced the most fantastic of reunions. My husband, David Andrew, and daughter, Penny Denise, met me at the door of heaven.  My mother, father, and seven brothers and sisters smiled and sang.  My Lord and Savior embraced me and said, “Well, done, good and faithful servant.”

My walk to eternity lasted 90 years. I was born in Spruce Pine on July 3, 1927 to Melvin LaFayette “Hun” McKinney and Mary Jane Autry McKinney.  As one of nine children, my childhood was simple, but happy.  My mother always said that I was my father’s favorite.  I loved listening to my brother play the piano and reading letters from the local boys who had joined the service.  I was a silly girl who loved to laugh and have fun.  As unusual as it was for that time period, I enjoyed my freedom.  As a young woman, I moved to Hildebran, lived in a boarding house, and worked in textiles.  My employers valued my speed and efficiency.

In my mid-twenties, I met a handsome man named David Andrew Walker.  Before I knew it, he’d whisked me away to a run-away wedding town in South Carolina, where we were married. We lived our life together in Drexel, North Carolina.  We were blessed with two wonderful children.  Our oldest son, David Joe Melvin, and then six years later, our daughter Penny Denise.  Our home was hardly boring.  My son and daughter’s rivalry was legendary, with both surviving arguments involving shovels, canned vegetables, and flushed pets.  But, Joe’s love and protection of his sister was constant, and her adoration of him, undeniable.  Before I blinked, my children were grown, married, and it was my granddaughters, Brandi Michelle, and Alicia Jo, running into my kitchen.

When my husband was called home to heaven early, my friends in Drexel and Valdese embraced me and became an invaluable support.  After many years with my friends, I relocated to my children’s town of Elkin.  I was blessed to be surrounded by family—my son Joe and his wife, Cathy.  My daughter Penny, her husband Tim, and their son, Cord. My friend and grand-daughters’ mother, Susie.  My younger sister Maxine and her husband Gene Page visited frequently from Charlotte. Surprise visits from my many nieces and nephews always brought delight. Brandi married Michael Hall and brought two great-grandchildren to my life—Emery Walker and Eleanor Ashlyn.  Alicia married Ben Gentry and had my 3rd great-grandchild, Matthew William—and they just announced a baby due next March.  I was blessed to see my family continuing to grow.

Throughout my life, I loved time with family, reading, painting, poetry, puzzles, gardening, conversations, and music.  I was always eager to share my latest book plot or play a favorite song.  I could never choose my favorite flower, because they were all beautiful.   But, certainly my favorite time was with my family.  I adored my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and took such pride in their accomplishments. There wasn’t a moment that I wouldn’t stop to share my love for them, spend time with them, or share their stories with strangers and friends alike.  Bringing joy to others brought me joy.  I never wanted someone to leave me feeling hungry or unloved. I loved giving—special knick-knacks, surprise gifts, even the shirt off my back.

As I reflect on my life, I think of building a puzzle.  There are so many pieces, some beautiful, some plain, some simple to decipher, and others that seem impossible or useless until the product is finished. The beginning with its clear edges is quick, while the deeper aspects of detail take time and attention.  Some parts are dark, while other areas are filled with light.  There are periods of frustration and hopelessness, but with perseverance comes victory.  Each part has its place and every piece is needed for the picture to be whole.  My picture of my earthly life is now complete and I leave that image to my family and friends. I pray it brings you the same beauty and blessing it has brought to me.

My family will be celebrating my life at Elkin Funeral Service on October 7, 2017.  They will receive friends at 2 pm and hold a memorial service at 3 pm.  As much as I loved flowers, I ask that you honor my memory by paying it forward and embracing my love of giving.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a cause dear to my heart.  Mountain Valley Hospice and Hugh Chatham Memorial Foundation are organizations that have brought comfort to both my family and me.

I am looking forward to listening from Heaven to all the wonderful stories and music at the memorial celebration. And don’t worry, there will be no need to shout. My hearing is now perfect!

Until we meet again,

Lillian