Betty J. Walker

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, the family of Betty Joe Walker announces her peaceful passing on August 5, 2025, at Mangum Nursing Center. Betty, a devoted follower of Christ, a pillar of strength for her family, and a beacon of warmth to all who knew her, entered her eternal home at the age of 90. She was a resident of Mangum and formerly of Burkburnett, Texas.

Born on February 9, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Betty's journey of faith and family began. She completed her 11th grade education in Burkburnett, Texas. Betty's life was a testament to unwavering devotion, first and foremost to her Lord and Savior, and then to her beloved family, whom she cherished "more than life itself."

Her life was an adventure woven through many places - Chowchilla, Buena Park, Lyndsey, Brea Canyon, and Porterville, California; Galveston, Ladonia, and Burkburnett, Texas; Spokane, Washington; and El Paso, Texas - moves undertaken to support her husbands, John Newton Crane in his coaching career and Harland Walker in his masonry work. Throughout these transitions, Betty created a loving and stable home, the heart of which was always her kitchen, where her renowned cooking skills brought everyone together. She also managed a career with Kmart, rising to the position of manager.

Betty's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas, and later the First Baptist Church in Mangum, Oklahoma. Her love for Christ overflowed into service; she taught Sunday School classes in Burkburnett and continued sharing her faith by teaching at the Mangum Skilled Nursing facility for as long as she was able. Her generous spirit and capacity to love "so big" touched countless lives, and she was deeply loved in return.

Betty embraced life with creativity and joy. An accomplished artist, she found expression in beautiful ceramic work. Her talented hands were rarely still, whether she was crocheting, knitting intricate pieces, quilting treasured heirlooms, or sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren. Her love for gardening brought beauty to her surroundings, and she delighted in camping adventures, traveling, and fishing trips. Decorating her home for every holiday was a special joy, creating magical memories for her family. Betty also possessed a delightful spirit, known to yodel and sing, filling her home with music. True to her vibrant nature, she believed in always presenting her best self - she never left home without her makeup perfectly done and was "always dressed to the nines."

Her greatest legacy is her loving family. Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, John Newton Crane and Harland Walker; her parents, Harvey and Eva Tigrett ; her son-in-law, David Toole; her grandson, Sean Molina; brothers, Hubert Tigrett and Timmy Maben; her nephew, Travis Harris and Charlie Tigrett; and her niece, Jacque Harris

She is survived by her devoted children: John Newton Crane, Jr. and Cherie Kauffman; Jack Crane; Sherry Crane Toole- Marshala and husband Bruce. Her memory will be forever cherished by her sister, Dorothy Losness.

Betty's love blossoms through her grandchildren: Cody Toole and Danika Toole; Clay Toole; Carey Lee and husband Cory; Courtney Diaz and husband Josh; Ashley Crane; Alec Crane, Annie Crane; and her great-grandchildren: Timbree Toole, Racey Fade Toole, Filey Toole, Coy Toole, Lizzie Diaz, Ean Diaz, Parker Lee, Vivian Lee, Anneliese Smith, and Isaiah Smith.

She also leaves behind a host of loving extended family including Vernon Smith and wife Ladawn; Wade Harris and wife DeeDee; Lisa Price; Jennifer Harris; Lea Ann Gore and husband Yogi; Ray Mize; Curtis Mize and wife Beth; Nadine Tigrett; Sylvia Tigrett; Eugene Tigrett; and all their children and grandchildren.

Betty Joe Walker lived a life radiant with warmth, steadfast in faith, and boundless in love for her family. Her beautiful spirit, her nurturing hands, and her unwavering devotion will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love, beautifully stitched into the hearts of all who knew her, will endure forever. She has been joyfully reunited with her Savior and loved ones who went before, her earthly journey complete, her heavenly reward secured. Well done, good and faithful servant. A special thank you to the staff of Mangum Nursing and Rehabilition and to Good Shepherd Hospice, your love, compassion, and kindess shown to Betty and her family will never be forgotten.