Athelene Johnson Walker, age 89, of Sanford was welcomed into heaven on December 2, 2021, after an extended illness. Athelene was born in Sanford, the daughter of the late Lemuel Gordon Johnson and Nova Bridges Johnson.
She graduated from Deep River High School in 1950. After high school, she attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. She was a dedicated employee at D.F. Harris & Son Insurance for over 30 years and also enjoyed working in the medical field at Sanford Medical Group and Dotterer Clinic during her career.
In addition to her parents, Athelene was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Smith, and her siblings Lenora Bright, Herbert Johnson, Roy Johnson, and Margaret Pickard.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Jesse Walker, and children, Brent Smith (Jean), Susan Connor (Carlton), and Mark Walker (Robin) all of the Deep River Community, and Allyson Hawley (Joe) of Sneads Ferry, NC. Athelene was affectionately known as “Mamalene” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by grandchildren Stephanie Pace (Todd), Justin Smith (Elizabeth), Brittany Dickens, and Lacie Walker and great-grandchildren Hudson and Camden Smith, Blair and Nash Pace, and Lilah Harrington. She is also survived by two special sister-in-laws, Kathleen Wicker and Virginia Johnson and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Athelene was a devout Christian and lifelong member of Flat Springs Baptist Church until her health declined. She was the financial secretary for 55 years, a member of the JOY Sunday School class, a member of the Chancel Choir, and served on numerous committees. With a servant’s heart, she exemplified selflessness and integrity. Athelene was the best example of what church, home, and family should represent. If she would have had more, we would have had more. She was known as the “card lady”, sending hundreds of cards for birthdays and other occasions. She was so good to visit the sick and bereaved. She was famous for her delicious pound cakes and pecan pies and for carrying home-grown tomatoes to friends and family. She loved to host Sunday family lunches to celebrate birthdays and holidays. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. Her faith in God and faithful service to Him, her many acts of kindness to those in need, her love for her family and friends, and her warm, uplifting personality and smile will be missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Flat Springs Baptist Church with Dr. Gary McCollough officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the services and at other time at the family home.
The family wished to thank the staffs of Parkview, Total LifeCare, Amedisys Hospice, and their caregivers for their love and dedication provided to Athelene over the past 5 years.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Athelene’s memory to Flat Springs Baptist Church General Fund - 4148 Deep River Road, Sanford, NC 27330. May we all honor her memory daily in how we treat others.
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