Tammy T. Walker

Tammy Tirza Walker, of Baird, Texas, was born in Crane, Texas on September 28, 1961, the oldest child of Fred Bannowsky Jr. and Charlene Hartsfield. She passed away at age 63 on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas surrounded by loved ones.

Tammy spent her childhood in Caney, Oklahoma, Buffalo Gap, Texas, and finally Baird where she lived for the remainder of her life.

As a young adult, Tammy accepted Christ and continued to follow Him throughout her life. Tammy was a member of Baird Methodist Church and faithfully served her church for years. Tammy was always willing to help those in need no matter their background or status in life.

Tammy loved children and was blessed when her only child Kaitlyn was born to her and then husband Ray Walker in 1988. While Tammy may have only been the birth mother to one daughter, she was a kindhearted nurturing mom to so many children in her community. Tammy spent countless hours with her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Tammy, through her church, dedicated her time to teaching children as a Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher and helped lead Kid's Club, where numerous children learned more about God on Wednesday nights.

Tammy's service to her community extended to her profession. Tammy served Callahan County for 43 years, recently retiring in December of 2024. Starting in 1981, Tammy went to work for the Callahan County Tax Assessor-Collector. She worked for Albert Lovell, Wauneta Estes, and Bun Barry before being appointed and then elected County Tax Assessor-Collector in 2000.

During Tammy's tenure the complexities and needs grew significantly for the office in which she was entrusted. Tammy always met the challenge with hard work and a smile. She led countless members of the tax office team over the years and created a family-like environment which promoted lifelong friendships. Tammy served on the State Committee as Regional Coordinator for Callahan County's region and taught certified accounting courses for fellow Tax Assessor-Collectors. Tammy was named the 2006 Tax Assessor-Collector of the Year for the State of Texas and recognized for her leadership statewide by the V.G. Young Institute of County Government. Tammy served as the Voter Registrar for most of her tenure and was a fierce advocate for free and fair elections. Tammy's kind heart and strong resolve served her well and allowed her to serve the citizens of Callahan County with integrity and fairness throughout her tenure. Tammy loved the people of her county and those she was blessed to serve alongside during these many years.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Bannowsky Jr. & Charlene Hartsfield Bill; her grandparents Fred Bannowsky Sr. & Etoile Putty Bannowsky, and Tommy & Jonnie Hartsfield. She was also preceded in death by Eva Hartsfield Black (aunt), Tommy Joel Black (cousin), Victor Campbell (cousin), Larron Walker (brother-in-law), Weldon Walker (father-in-law), Oudia Walker (mother-in-law), Katie Walker Richburg (aunt-in-law), and Jeff Day (lifelong friend).

Tammy is survived by her loving daughter, Kaitlyn Walker of Fort Worth, Texas. Her former spouse Ray Walker of Baird, her brother and sister-in-law Fred (III) & Jennifer Bannowsky of Baird; alongside Billy Nathanal Christian Bannowsky (half-brother), Augustine Bill (step-father); aunts Wanda Campbell, Sherley Nolen; nieces and nephews Luke Bannowsky, Sally Walker, Mathew Walker, Becky Walker, Braeden Rameriz, Saegen Whitehead, Welden Whitehead, and Tyler Walker; cousins Brad Black, Jill Black, Cindy Burke, Brit Campbell, Eric Campbell, Melanie Green, Chase Nolan, and Mark Nolan.

Tammy is also survived by several special friends who she considered honorary family members including Carol Barnes, Paula Barron, Deborah Day, Brian Fears, Sam Goldsmith, Heather Gutherie, Debbie Hatchett, Troy Knowles, Linda Leedom, CeeAnn Hooks Loeb, Sherry Pruitt, and the countless children she taught at the Baird Methodist Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00am, at the Baird Methodist Church with Kenneth Brock officiating.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Honorable Roger Corn, Jimmy Garza, Sam Goldsmith, Troy Knowles, Richard Mendez, Mike Parker, and Mathew Walker.

The family would like to invite and request attendees bring a dish to join them for a potluck meal that will immediately follow the Celebration of Life service. This meal is open for all in attendance as Tammy wanted to provide an opportunity for the community she loved to share a meal together.

Tammy requested that everyone wear bright colors to her memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following:

Texas State University's Forensic Anthropology Center (FACTS)

UT Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas

Baird Methodist Church - Children's Ministry Programs