Mattie Jo Walker

Mattie Jo Walker, age 93, of Longview, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025. She was born on January 17, 1932, in New Boston, Texas, to parents Jess and Edith Ohler. On September 10, 1948, Mattie Jo married Claude T. Walker. The couple shared 25 years of marriage before Claude's passing in 1974. Together they raised three children: Linda, Paul, and Leslie. In her younger years, Mattie Jo loved to dance, especially two-stepping and waltzing. Later in life, she found joy in gardening and reading-mystery novels being her favorite. She dedicated her life to caring for those around her and was always giving of herself. Above all, Mattie Jo was a truly loving mother and grandmother, known affectionately as "Granny," whose warm heart and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. Born during the Great Depression, Mattie Jo grew up knowing the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Those lessons shaped her into a woman of remarkable strength. She worked tirelessly, dedicating over 50 years to her career as a waitress, where she was cherished by coworkers and customers alike. Even with long hours on her feet, she always made time for her family. Home-cooked meals were served daily, laundry was washed, pressed, and ironed before it ever hit the floor, and she was famous for her sweet treats-especially her pies. Mattie Jo was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she shared her faith, fellowship, and service. Life presented Mattie Jo with many challenges, including the loss of her husband at a young age, yet she faced every hardship with courage and grace. Through faith, determination, and sheer endurance, she carried her family forward, creating a home filled with love, stability, and warmth. Her strength was quiet but unwavering, and her resilience became an example for all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Claude T. Walker; her son, Leslie Walker; her parents, Jess and Edith Ohler; siblings, Mary Margaret Gable and Melvin Adams; son-in-law, Jess Evans; and granddaughter, Julie Walker. Left to treasure her memory are her daughter, Linda Evans; her son, Paul Walker and wife Diane; grandchildren, Chris Gordy and wife Amanda, Jennifer Ellis and husband Ryan, Steven Walker and wife Nicole, and Jason Walker; along with 12 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:30pm on Friday August 29, 2025, at Memory Park Cemetery in Longview, Texas. Funeral Arrangements are in the care of Rader Funeral Home. Mattie Jo will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her deep love for family. She had a gift for caring for others, and her legacy of love and perseverance will live on in the many lives she touched. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.