Loretta Loretta Odessa - Diane Diane Walker Walker , 63, died Tuesday, July 5, 2022, in Odessa. Services are pending with MARTINEZ FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY of Odessa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Odessa American on Jul. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Walker

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Patricia Chavez

July 17, 2022

Me deepest condolences to the family of Loretta . I graduated with Loretta in 1976 from Ector High. I was in band with her and she was extremely talented playing that saxophone . Four out of my five grandchildren went to Reagan elementary and she was their music teacher. She was always so kind and that soft voice she had . Heaven has now gained an angel. She truly earned her wings . She will be deeply missed at Reagan Elementary.

Cindy Huyser

Planted Trees

Leticia Rankin

July 16, 2022

I first met Loretta when my kids were at Reagan and I helped VIP in her class. On our first day we talked about our relationship with Christ and prayed together, it was such an encouragement. We can rejoice that she´s in heaven with our Lord and no longer suffering.
She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her poems and music talents were a blessing to us all. We´ll miss her smile, our lunches at McAlister´s, & our chats about absolutely everything. Thank you for your sharing your many talents & your friendship, I love you!

Terri Tucker

July 16, 2022

Loretta was an amazing person, gifted writer, and beloved teacher. Her poetry inspired all, addressed many issues, and brought truth and hope together. I´m thankful for our time together at many conferences. You will be missed.

Becky Morris

July 16, 2022

What a privilege it was to have a friend like Loretta; she´s truly one in a million! Loretta is cherished not only for who she was but for the love and joy I know because of her. The lessons and values she shared through her poetry are the gifts I´ll always treasure...and her unforgettable smile. What a legacy! My heart is broken, but I´m forever grateful for the memories we shared. Thank you, Loretta! I love you.

Lisa Donaho

July 14, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dylan Chavez

July 14, 2022

The passing of Mrs. Walker is deeply heartbreaking. She was so loved by so many. She was my music teacher all throughout elementary school. I thank Mrs. Walker for my passion for music. The reason I was motivated to stay in choir, play the guitar, the piano, etc. I thank her for everything she´s done to make my passion for music grow. Thank you.

Diana Gomez

July 11, 2022

Diana Gomez

July 11, 2022

Diana Gomez

July 11, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Loretta's passing. She and I were friends in high school and graduated the same year, but unfortunately hadn't seen each other since. Lotetta was a sweet and sincere friend even when she was young. How I wish I had visited with her as adults. We can catch up when we both get to our eternal home. God bless her family and loved ones.

Lisha Adela Garcia

Planted Trees

Lisha Adela Garcia

July 11, 2022

Loretta was my poet sister. I loved her generosity of spirit, her words and example of what being a great human looks like. She will shine in my heart forever. My condolences to all who loved her but am glad heaven has added an angel.

Cindy Huyser

July 10, 2022

Loretta was a gift to all the communities of which she was a part, and it has been a privilege to know her. Wishing Kim, Mark, JJ and all her extended family condolences in this difficult time.

Larry D. Thomas

July 9, 2022

Loretta was one of the most inspirational friends I have been privileged to have in my lifetime. Her poetry was recognized both in Texas and nationally, and was dedicated in large part to her mother's difficult life. She was a highly respected teacher of music who touched the lives of countless children. Although her lovely person has passed on, her spirit will remain an eternal flame to light the way for others.

Thomas Quitzau

July 9, 2022

It was always a real treat when Walker would share a new poem on The Texas Poetry Assignment. Such a beautiful person and sharp voice whose poems are like maps of the constellations! She shared with me a prayer that one day she would visit the northeast to read her poetry for other regions to hear, to share her art with them. And so I will share her work with others every chance I get and spread her beautiful and important words and work.

Barbara Blanks

July 8, 2022

I've never known another person who was so loved by an incredibly diverse group of humanity as Loretta was. Her loving spirit was a beacon that drew us in. I was blessed to have her as a friend, and honored that she respected my opinions and suggestions concerning her poetry. I'm sorry we've all lost her, but glad she is finally at peace and out of pain. My sincere sympathies to Kim, JJ, Mark, and the rest of the family.

Erica Thurman-Lawrence

July 8, 2022

My Sincere Prayers for the Family during this difficult time, She was Quiet, and had a Smile Every time I saw her. R.I.HEAVEN Beautiful Lady. Chris and Lisa My Prayers are with You

Naomi Shihab Nye

July 8, 2022

Dearest Loretta Diane Walker, You were one of the great voices of Texas! Your voice will continue to shine through your books and poems and stories. You lifted all our hearts, you spoke eloquent truth always, you were not afraid to tell it. You inspired all the children you taught and everyone else as well and we grieve your departure as we celebrated being your friends. You made us all family. Thank you, brave Loretta. You will never be gone.

Jan Seale

July 8, 2022

I very much enjoyed being with Loretta on occasions over the past 15 years. Her poetry was polished, meaningful, extraordinary. She will be sorely missed by the Texas literary community.

Sarah W.

July 8, 2022

I met Loretta just once but read her poetry chapbook that won the Barney award; I thought her language so vivid and fresh. She was such a valued member of PST. She will be much missed!

Barbara Goerdel

July 7, 2022

It is such sad news to hear that Loretta lost the battle with cancer. She was a classy, talented lady. No one will ever match her calm strength. She will be truly missed by her poet friends. RIP my dear friend.

Rev. Dr. Terry Dawson & Dr. Alexandra Wilson

July 7, 2022

"How curious the way darkness pines for light": this line from Loretta´s poem "Od Death and Water" speaks to this moment of loss the way every line of our sister´s poems spoke to every aspect of this life. Loretta shouldered much darkness which she through her verse spun into light. And she did so with her unmistakable soft, high voice, when spoken, and with the firm and brilliant voice of her verse. Loretta had more than almost anyone I´ve known, had a way with words. Her unique language took us into worlds she knew well - her rich imaginative internal work and the wide world of West Texas. Her poems revealed her huge heart - a heart she shared broadly to heal in this wicked world. We were honored to welcome her into our home and to enter the radiance of her generous spirit. We lived a loretta and will miss her. We remain grateful, however, for the body of work she´s left us - a work that will continue to rock our world.

Steve Sanders

July 7, 2022

Her voice was so soothing; her words so powerful. She would know the perfect thing to say but I am speechless. I miss her already but know that we will meet again.

Veronica Galindo

July 7, 2022

Ms. Walker was an amazing woman. She was my music teacher at Reagan and also my daughter's teacher. She will be greatly missed.

Veronica Galindo

July 7, 2022

Ms. Walker was an amazing woman. She was my music teacher and also my daughter's teacher. She remembered me from 30 something years ago. She will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results