Reverend Mildred Gaither Walker

"Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

--Matthew 11:28

The Reverend Mildred Louise Gaither Walker, 83, was born on December 29, 1941, to the late Edna Bailey and James Gaither in Iredell County, North Carolina. She departed this life on Earth and transitioned to her heavenly place on September 8, 2025, at Newberry Hospital. Reverend Walker completed her high school education in the New York City school system. She then went on to complete her certificate in Christian ministry from the New York Theological Seminary on May 20, 1979.

Reverend Walker received her BA from the College of New Rochelle in N.Y. on January 31, 1984. She lived a life of service to others that motivated her to seek out training opportunities throughout her life that helped advance her skills in many areas whereby she earned numerous certificates and licenses. This service included being an early childhood educator in the New York public schools, a hospice and home healthcare specialist, and as an ordained minister. She was a member of the Satterwhite-Brown Chapter Number 26 of the Order of the Eastern Star, a social organization intended for individuals with strong spiritual values. She was a member of the Saluda Mass Choir and assigned to the Pine Pleasant CME Church in Saluda, S.C. where she served the people of God faithfully until her retirement.

Reverend Walker was joined in Holy Matrimony on July 7, 1998, to Francis Maurice "Bubba" Walker who preceded her in death on April 18, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her parents Edna Bailey and James Gaither, her sister Rachel Phifer Sceals, her brothers Harry Phifer, Frank Junior Westmoreland, Kenneth Herman Phifer, Harry Gaither, William "Billy" Gaither, Allen "Peter" Gaither, and stepbrother Walter Leak.

Reverend Walker leaves to cherish her memory her son Ray Winford, Sr. (Talitha C. Houston) of Charlotte, N.C., sisters Robin M. Gaither of Queens, N.Y., Annie Mae Tartt of Bronx, N.Y., a stepbrother James Leak of Memphis, TN, sister-in-law Cynthia Elaine (David) Downing of Saluda, S.C., Libby Ruth Walker of Los Angeles, CA, Jaqueline Lewis Berkel of Louisiana, a special brother-in-law George H. Moore of Saluda, S.C., and a special cousin Ann Winford (Delaney) of Troutman, N.C. She had five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and a host of relatives and friends.

The family is at the home.

Please include the family in your prayers as they go through their hour of bereavement.

Butler & Sons Funeral Home is honored to serve the Walker Family.