Martha Jane (Ferguson) Walker passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024.

She was born on December 16, 1931, to Clem and Latance Ferguson in Henderson, Texas weighing less than 2 pounds. Her parents placed her in a shoe box by the heater to keep her warm.  They were told she may not make it, but God had plans for this tiny girl to touch the lives of many people.

Martha's family settled in Cotton Valley where she attended school. She was a cheerleader and basketball player at Cotton Valley High School then graduated in 1951. It was here that she met the love of her life, Burnis "Poo" Walker. They married on May 16, 1953, and moved to Charleston, S. C. where "Poo" was serving in the Navy. It was there that their first child, Kay, was born. After his service, they moved to Jena, LA where "Poo" began working for Justiss – Mears Oil Company. There they welcomed two more children, Jamey and Gaile. Jena was her home for nearly 70 years.

Being a woman of deep faith, she lived that faith out as a member of First Baptist Church, Jena for more than 65 years. Her many acts of service include Choir (called 'Mom' by several members), the Bereavement Committee, Missions, and involvement in many ministries for Shut-ins and nursing home residents. She truly had a heart for the elderly. It gave her great joy to serve others.

Martha loved her family, and was fiercely protective of them. We have many cherished memories of family gatherings, a legacy we fully intend to continue. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing games, shopping, and the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

Here are a few descriptive words from her grandchildren that really encapsulates who she was: warm, welcoming, approachable, giving, a little sassy, understanding, persistent, available, a good listener, angelic.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Burnis "Poo" Walker, two sisters Sara Holland and Mary Holder and one brother Hansel Ferguson.

She is survived by her children, Kay McClure (Marty) of Jena, LA; Jamey Walker (Janel) of Lafayette, LA; and Gaile Johnson (Aron) of Tyler, TX; a sister, Shirley Elledge (Coy) of Bossier City, LA; sister-in-law Bernice Andrews (Hubert) of Smyrna, GA; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Jena on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:30 am with Rev. Garrett West, Rev. Terry Townsend, and Bro. Bo Owens officiating.  A visitation with the family will be from 10:00 am until service time.

Those honored to serve Mrs. Martha as pallbearers are her grandsons, Chris McClure, Chad McClure, Chance McClure, Jereme Johnson, Jordan Johnson, and Jason Walker.

Honorary pallbearers are Hig Hailey, Tom Watkins, Jim Justiss, Tommy Barton, Bobby Wilson, and Junior Hudspeth.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Charity of your choice in memory of Martha Walker.