(Submitted by Family)

Shirley Jaunita (Pennington) Walker "Mammaw" of Jonesboro, Louisiana, went to be with her Lord and savior on November 16, 2023, at the age of 82. Born in Chatham, Louisiana, on November 24, 1940, to Quitman Pennington and Orel Cartwright, she was the eldest of five siblings. At the age of 15 she met and fell in love with William Walker, affectionately known as Buster. They were married in December 1956.

They stayed married through the thick and thin for 56 years. They went through a life of military service and retirement, a move to Goose Creek, South Carolina, a move to Walland, Tennessee and then ended up back in Louisiana where they will both rest together now. During their marriage they had five children, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Shirley, known to many as "Nita", attended Maryville Church of Christ when she lived in Tennessee. She made many wonderful friends during her time there and often referred to it as her second home. More recently she attended the Church of Christ in Jonesboro.

Mammaw adored and cherished her grandkids and could talk to you about them all day long. She loved reading but most of the time she would buy the books and never get around to reading them. She liked sewing and could whip up anything you needed her to. She liked football and could often be found cheering on LSU and the Saints. She loved to bowl and was even on a bowling league back in the day. She enjoyed playing games and cards, especially, canasta. She loved anything salty, preferred it over sweets and often had a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips with her. Mammaw was the best cook in the world. Her pumpkin bread, chicken & dumplins, Thanksgiving dressing and too many other dishes to count are unmatched. She never followed a recipe and would tell you how to make something from memory. She used a pinch or a dash but never knew the exact measurement, probably because she didn't like being told what to do.

When anyone told her she couldn't do something, they would be met with the response, "Watch me." She had a sweet smile, the funniest wit, and was stubborn as the day was long. Mammaw believed in hard work, keeping busy and doing everything to the best of your ability. She believed she could do anything and everything, and for the most part, she was correct. She was the biggest supporter of our ideas and life stages. She would give her opinion if she didn't like something but would encourage us no matter her thoughts on the subject. To those of you still reading, Mammaw would consider you friend or family. Thank you for loving her as your own.

Shirley Walker was preceded in death by her loving husband: William Walker; sons: William Ronald Walker, Jr. and Ronald Anthony Walker (Tony); father: Quitman Pennington; mother: Orel Cartwright Pennington Bustin; stepfather: Harvey Bustin; brothers: Sherman Pennington, Carl David Bustin; and sister: Janice Hennigan

She is survived by daughters: Rhonda Finley of Jonesboro and Kimberly Lane (Tony) of N. Charleston, SC; son: David Scott Walker of Jonesboro: grandchildren: Jill Oldham (Kenny) of Alcoa, TN and Aaron Andrews of Washington; great grandchildren: Colton, Walker, Nash and Amber; great-great grandson: Camden; sister: Patricia Smith of Downsville; sister in law: Pat Crawford of Eros; an aunt and uncle, many cousins, nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Church of Christ, 1222 S. Hudson Avenue, Jonesboro.  The service will follow at 12:00 with Brother Freddie Shows officiating. Family and friends will assemble following the service at Womack Cemetery, Chatham Louisiana, for the committal service under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.