Audrey Ballew Walker

Our dear mother, Audrey Ora Ballew Walker, sadly passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Leonard Ballew; husband, Charles Walker; and granddaughter, Amber Worley.

She is survived by her daughters; Theresa Thigpen and Joni Walker; Theresa and Michael and their three sons and families: Ian and Julie and their children, Audrey and Shepherd, Christopher and Caitlin and their children, Sylvie and Hadley, Jesse and Sarah and daughter Amelia, Beckham and Charlotte.

Joni and Neal; son, Jack and Stacie and their daughters, Kenna and Elise. She is also survived by a sister in law, Edith Wheeler and numerous nieces and nephews.

Audrey was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina and grew up in Fannin County with her siblings, Bobbie Kinney, Adrianne Truett, Odel Ballew, Kathy Odom and Jerry Ballew.

Audrey met Charles at a party that her family was hosting for soldiers returning home and on military leave. They were married in 1954. They raised their family and had their careers near Atlanta.

Audrey was an entrepreneur and master cosmetologist. She opened her first salon and then formed a partnership with her sister Adrianne. Together, they opened Audrey and Adrianne's Coiffuers. Their business quickly developed a magnificent reputation. Some of the most prominent people of Atlanta used their services. Eleven years later, they opened Hair Concepts by Audrey and Adrianne. Eight years later, they established their final location that continued in business for 17 years. She worked behind her chair for a total 62 years and finally retired at the age of 80.

Not only did she nuture people but she truly made them beautiful. She was a blessing to many people in her lifetime.

Please join with us for a celebration of her beautiful life at the New Union Baptist Church in Blairsville, Georgia on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at her funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Her family invites friends to come for a time of visitation at the church prior to the service. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM until the 2:00 pm funeral hour.

Flowers are being accepted or in lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to the New Union Baptist Church.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Audrey Ora Ballew Walker. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com