Roberta Major Walker

Roberta Major Walker, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Born at home in Slaughters, Kentucky, on March 10, 1927, she was preceded in death by her parents, Carl King Major and Frances Smith Major; her beloved brother, Winfield Major; her cherished sister, Catherine Furnish; and two sisters who passed in infancy.

After graduating from Bethel College, she moved to Frankfort where she met her best friend and faithful husband of 70 years, Ronald Payne Walker. Originally from Louisa, Kentucky, he preceded her in death on July 26, 2021, in Louisville.

Together, they raised three loving children: Carla Hisle (Gary) of Lexington, KY; Ron Walker, Jr. (Josie) of Germantown, TN; and Ken Walker of Chicago, IL. In addition, she was adored by five wonderful grandchildren: Leann Guriel (Brian) of Beavercreek, OH; Jessie Wiley (Chris) of Germantown, TN; Matthew Hisle (Sara) of Lexington, KY; Will Walker (Alex) of Mobile, AL; and Alex Moncrieff of Chicago, IL; as well as five adorable great-grandchildren, two nieces, and two nephews.

Roberta and Ronald were faithful members of Bethany Baptist Church for more than 70 years. Roberta worked for many years as Bethany's financial secretary and was the church's longest-serving member. She also shared her time and talents by volunteering with the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Baptist Health Louisville, Blue Ridge Manor Homemakers, and various clubs and school activities.

Roberta will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, Grandma, and devoted friend. An eager traveler with Ronald, they visited all 50 states and over 40 countries, often with longtime friends. Her favorite trips were to the Holy Land and Thailand. It was Thailand where Roberta rode an elephant-a memory she cherished and often shared. She was also an avid Bridge player for decades (even as recently as last year) and a fantastic cook, with her passion for baking banana bread passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Roberta's last three years were spent at Cedarhurst of Beaumont in Lexington, where new friends and dedicated caregivers helped her-and our family-feel welcomed from the start. Many thanks also go to the wonderful staff at Lexington Country Place for their compassionate care during the past two months. Caring for the elderly takes special people, and Roberta was blessed to experience so many devoted and kind individuals in Louisville and Lexington along the way.

Visitation will be held at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY on Saturday, February 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow. Burial will take place at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY following the service.

As a tribute to Roberta's love for her church, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Bethany Baptist Church, 2319 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205.