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Elizabeth McMeans Walker, 101, of Black Mountain, North Carolina, widow of the late John Bowman Walker Sr., went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2015.
Betty Walker epitomized life to the fullest from her simple upbringing in Philadelphia, PA chasing horse drawn fire wagons as a child to visiting Ireland at 92, the country of her heritage. She was a devoted Christian woman and active member of First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, NC for 50 years and taught Sunday School many Sundays well into her 90s.
She attributed her longevity to her unyielding faith in God and strong work ethic. She was active and busy until her last days, working until 85 years of age and then some.
When widowed in 1960, Betty raised her four children by herself and provided them the absolute best. She relocated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Black Mountain in 1965 to build she and her late husband’s dream home on the family named ”Camel Back Mountain” on Camp Branch Acres, property which she and her husband had developed.
Betty’s life’s work was one of continual learning and giving back. Much of what she learned and accomplished, whether as a devoted and hardworking business woman, an instructor of WWII pilots, serving as a cook, or teaching preschool children and as a crafts teacher. The majority of her work was as co‐owner of Town Hardware with her brother, Bob McMeans. Remarkable in her seventies with no thoughts of slowing down Betty will be remembered for founding and operating Lillibette’s Country basket, a sandwich and craft store in Black Mountain where many people enjoyed her chicken salad, Hello Dollies and other delicacies. She also worked for the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board, at Callaway Gardens, Georgia training facility in the winter as a preschool teacher, and during the summers at Camp Rockmont as a craft instructor.
An adventurer by nature, she enjoyed life each and every day leaving her family with many fond memories and tales to tell. Betty’s life was about giving and serving others while making countless sacrifices for herself. She was a remarkable woman who leaves a legacy of faith for her family and friends.
She is survived by two sons, William Gray (Lois), and John Walker Jr. (Joy); two daughters, Linda Fox (Charles), and Marsha Walker (Jerry Reynolds), 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and her many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 9th at 11:00 AM at Black Mountain First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Black Mountain First Baptist Church in honor of Betty Walker.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth H. Walker (McMeans), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.