of Harrison, AR
April 11, 1940 - June 1, 2023
Freddie Gelease (Hefley) Walker, 83, of Harrison, Arkansas, left this earth to join her Heavenly Father on June 1, 2023. She was born on April 11, 1940, in Mt. Judea, Arkansas, to Hester Hosanna (Foster) Hefley and Frederick Joseph Hefley. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, James Hefley, Howard Hefley, and John Hefley, and one sister, Jimmie Hefley.
Freddie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Sheldon Walker; four daughters, Selena (Pat) Merriman, Shelly Walker, Linda (Rick) King and Lisa (Jeff) Wiskur; ten grandchildren, Samantha (Stephan) Kershisnik, Luke Merriman, Codi (Kerry) Kanatzar, Paul (Sara) Swearingen, Rachel (Geo) Espinoza, Reagan Wray, Julie (Brett) Bethurem, Katie Wiskur, Eric (Courtney) Wiskur and Stephanie Wiskur; eleven great-grandchildren, Jack Kershisnik, Fiona Kershisnik, Madalyn Merriman, Madison Carpenter, Abigail Carpenter, Elijah Kanatzar, Owen Kanatzar, Quinn Swearingen, Robin Swearingen, Noah Bethurem and Connor Bethurem; three sisters, Loucille Burdine, Louise Stewart and Patricia Henderson and many other family members.
Freddie was born in Mt Judea and moved to Lead Hill during her senior year in high school. That's when she met her husband, Sheldon. They married when she graduated and began their life together, raising their four daughters. Freddie was a stay-at-home mother and Sheldon's administrative assistant at his self-employed television repair business. They spent many years in the Kansas City, Missouri area, later moving to Harrison, Springfield, Missouri, then back to Harrison, where they retired.
She was saved by her Heavenly Father at age 15 at the Rock Haven Bible Camp in Hasty, then baptized at Big Creek in Mt. Judea. She attended Baptist churches at their various residences and, upon retiring in Harrison, was a member of First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed praising God and fellowship with many friends. She was an active basketball player throughout her life until her late senior years. She played in many women s leagues, including the group she started after moving to Harrison in 1978. She also coached pee-wee girls' basketball in Harrison. She was active, competing in the Senior Olympics throughout her later years and winning countless medals for basketball (primarily as the best 3-point shooter) and other track competitions. She had a quick mind for math and was terrific at word puzzles. You rarely visited with her when she wasn't playing Scrabble. She made many trips to Mt. Home to participate in their Scrabble league. She loved to compete so much that not too long ago, she and her granddaughter, Samantha, were competitors in the grandparents/grandchildren's "Wheel of Fortune" show in Orlando. She shared her winnings with her grandchildren.
Freddie was happiest when she would gather with her large family at the Hefley reunions in Mt Judea, then later on at Harrison. She shared all holidays with her family and attended many of her grandchildren's special events. She and Sheldon enjoyed traveling to visit family. She loved to get groups together to sing gospel music, and she played piano by ear.
Freddie was a quick-witted poet. She'd often say, "I'm a poet, and I know it and rhyme every time!". She quoted many nursery rhymes to her children and grandchildren. Her favorite song to sing was "Rockabye Boogie" as fast as she could! She entertained the "Wheel of Fortune" judges with that song when she auditioned for the show. She referred to herself as "Ever-ready Freddie."
Freddie's grandchildren treasured their time with Grandma and Grandpa. They would go to Branson music shows, parks, restaurants, and many fun places during their spring, summer, and Christmas breaks from school. The pet donkey, Burrito, that lived behind Freddie and Sheldon's house in Springfield, was happy to see them all in the backyard during their many birthday gatherings and Easter egg hunts.
Freddie liked to decorate her house with dolls and teddy bears. She began decorating with Christmas teddy bears and decided she liked them so much that she just left them up year-round! She proudly displayed her doll collection in the guest bedrooms. Her favorite was the talking Mrs. Beasley, that could still talk (after being repaired by Sheldon) several decades after belonging to her youngest daughter, Lisa.
Celebration of Life service was at First Baptist Church in Harrison, Arkansas. Burial was at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Harrison.
Her family and dear friends know she is in Heaven now, most likely singing some gospel, playing Scrabble or shooting some hoops. She will be missed, but we look forward to rejoicing with her when we see her again.
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19 Condolence(s)
Alex McGraw
Sunday, July 2, 2023
I knew Freddie (and her husband) through FBC Harrison. She was a most kind and decent lady. Glad I was able to know her.
Carolyn christian
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
So sorry to hear this.
Barbara Freeman
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Linda, So sorry for your family's loss
Katie Wiskur
Saturday, June 10, 2023
It is so hard to think about how I won’t get to talk to you or hug you again in this world, but I know you are up in heaven having the time of your life. You were always the life of the party! I love you so much grandma and I am so grateful for all of the memories with you I will cherish forever. You helped make me the person I am today and will always be my hero. Thank you for all of the love you poured into me â¤ï¸
Katie Wiskur
Saturday, June 10, 2023
It still doesn’t feel real that I will never be able to hug or talk to you in this life. I am so grateful for all of the memories with you I will cherish forever. I love you so much grandma. You were always gleaming with energy. No one could make me laugh like you. Thank you for all of the lessons you taught me and all of the love you gave me. I miss you so much â¤ï¸
Jane and Buck Martin
Friday, June 9, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family in the passing of Freddie. She was such a precious lady and we always enjoyed visiting with her when we would meet. Praying for all of you at this sad time and sending our love~
Renea Saunier
Friday, June 9, 2023
I met Freddie, at least 30 years ago, when she started a womens basketball league here in Harrison. 30 years ago I was 25, and she would have been about my age now. I thought she was old in her 50's. lol But man I remember playing with and against her, that lady could hit the 3's like no one in the league. She didn't really run up and down the court and most wouldn't guard her thinking she wouldn't make it but she did, almost every time! Through the years I have seen her and her husband at high school games, just watching. They always had their newspaper at the games. She was a fun, quick witted, very intelligent lady. My condolences to the family. Glad to say I knew her.
Laurie Keller
Friday, June 9, 2023
I met Freddie's daughter, Selena, 33 years ago when we moved into the neighborhood in Republic. We became friends and sisters in the Lord and our girls also became lifelong friends. It did not take long for Freddie and Sheldon to accept me as one of their own. I have always been welcome at their table or invited to come along to gatherings at McDonalds when they visited Springfield. Sheldon's personality is so much like my dad's and we connected easily, too. My heart goes out to each of you siblings, daughters, and grandchildren of Freddie Walker. May the Lord comfort you and may you rest in the hope of life eternal with our Savior as He promised those who walk by faith and trust in the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Freddie, your suffering is over and your new life has begun. We will see you again when Jesus comes! All our love and prayers, Laurie Keller and family
JOHN WRAY
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Strong lady, kind heart, Unbeatable at scrabble, Best HORSE player on planet!!!! Wonderful mom and grandmother too my daughters!!!!! I'll miss you Freddie you were bigger than LIFE!!!!
Samantha Kershisnik
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Oh Nammy. You are and will be so missed by all of us grandkids. I’m so lucky that I got to have so many good memories with you and Grandpa. You guys always made sure that all of us felt loved and special. You can be with Jesus now with no regrets.
Susan M Cox
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Prayers for peace and comfort as you family mourns such an extraordinary loss.
James & Mattie Walker
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Sheldon,
Though we have had few contacts over the years, we share this time of sorrow. Your life and family were blessed by Freddie’s life and influences.
James A Walker
Betty (VanZant) Gember
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
I have fond memories of time with Freddie and Sheldon when our children (all giggly little girls) were very young. My thoughts are with Sheldon and their daughters. Prayers that you have comfort in knowing that Freddie is with our Heavenly Father after a life that brought her much joy. Peace be with each of you!
Faith Schroeder
Monday, June 5, 2023
You will be missed by all your family! I’m so honored to have met you ! Faith Smedley Schroeder
selena merriman
Monday, June 5, 2023
I was blessed to have this woman as my mother for 63 years! What a wonderful mother she was! She was always there for me, and made me feel secure during my most vulnerable years. May she rest in peace, and know how much she is loved!
Betty burge
Monday, June 5, 2023
What a competitor I will always remember what a great shot she had in bball. She will be missed
Prayers for the family
Bill & Becky Burdine
Monday, June 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy for you guys and know Aunt Freddy will be deeply missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers for strength and peace that only comes from above.
Much love,
Bill & Becky Burdine
JoAn Young Rider
Monday, June 5, 2023
Condolences to all the family. May you cherish all the good memories with her. Love & prayers.
Linda King
Monday, June 5, 2023
I love you, Mother. You were the best mom and Grandma to us, and we will always cherish our memories! Looking forward to seeing you in Heaven someday!