Caro Walker

1928 - 2016

Caro Ivy Walker
1928-2016
Caro Ivy Walker, beloved mother, grandmother and sister passed away peacefully the morning of June 8, 2016. She was the eldest daughter of John Smith Ivy and Caro Gayle Ivy and born on September 13, 1928 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Caro grew up in Houston attending River Oaks Elementary and the Kinkaid School. As part of Kinkaid's original Richmond Guard, she was instrumental in publishing the first annual yearbook and graduated in 1946. She attended Beloit College in Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology in 1950. She was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Caro married William Wood Walker, Jr. in 1952 and moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where she devoted herself to family, the civic community and took a leadership role in developing the emerging Texas Republican Party. Caro was involved in a multitude of civic efforts. She helped establish The Junior League of Wichita Falls and the Wichita Falls Museum and Arts Center while also serving in multiple officer positions in each. She served on the boards of Episcopal Day School, North Texas Rehabilitation Center, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, American Cancer Association and the PTA. Caro craved the grassroots political process. She was Vice County Chairman of the Wichita County Republican Party for 10 years which involved fund raising, canvassing and attending county and state conventions. She was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Republican Women in Texas in 1968-9. In 1972 she became U.S. Senator John Tower's Wichita County Executive Director and Administrative Assistant and the Senator Tower Campaign Coordinator for North Texas.
Caro returned to Houston in 1973 and became a residential real estate agent/broker and fittingly prospered with her outgoing personality and extensive knowledge of Houston history. She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Houston, the Kinkaid Alumni Board, the River Oaks Garden Club, The Upper Kirby District, Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission and the Flood Control Board. She persisted in her love of politics as a Republican Precinct Chairman and Election Judge for many years as well as serving at the county and state levels.
Caro enthusiastically embraced all of life and was clearly a glass half-full kind of person. She loved the outdoors, visiting the lake, hunting birds, fishing and boating. Always and entertainer, Caro was a wonderful cook and never shied from trying some new recipe. Her appreciation for antique furniture compelled her to share her developed interest with many of her friends. Such talents fit nicely with her knack for color and design. Caro's elevated involvement in the River Oaks Garden Club service and activities included competitive flower arranging. The annual Pink Elephant rummage sale was one of her favorite events and prompted her naming the enduring mascot, Petunia. Garden Club trips with all of her warm, wonderful friends were community highlights for Caro. She was affectionately known to her adored grandchildren as MaCaro and the sobriquet was adopted by extended family and some friends.
As a life-long Episcopalian, Caro became involved in the church beginning in her teens and eventually married in her beloved Chapel at St. John the Divine. In Wichita Falls she served on the All Saints Episcopal Altar Guild. Late in life Alzheimer's stole her memory, but she retained her spirit and unique personality. Along the way Caro fought bravely against Myelodysplastic Syndrome which took its toll. We deeply miss her and that unbridled smile and charm that brightened the day.
Caro was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John S. Ivy, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Caro Walker; daughter Cynthia Gayle Walker Blackburn and husband Robert Allen "Bobby" Blackburn; their children Catherine Ivy Blackburn Frazier and husband, Stuart; Robert Allen Blackburn, Jr.; Caro Elizabeth Key Blackburn; her sisters Barbara Ivy Jogerst and husband Allen "Yogi"; Mary Ivy Farr; her brother Conway Gayle Ivy and wife Diane as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and their children. A memorial service is to be held at 3PM on Saturday, June 25, 2016 in the Chapel of St John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. The inurnment will be private.
We are deeply grateful to Caro's doctors Ann Radcliffe, Pinky Tiwari, Kelty Baker and her staff as well as the wonderful staff at Belmont Village West University under the direction of Dave Butz and Bruce Goodrich. She had so many wonderful PALS and we are so thankful to all of you. If desired, contributions can be made in Caro's name to the Alzheimer's Association, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the River Oaks Garden Club or charity of your choice. Also, a blood donation is the gift of life for someone.