Collye Dickson Walker

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"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess.5:18)

We give thanks to God for the life of Collye Mae 'Dickson' Walker who passed away Sat., Oct. 4, 2008, at Arbor Acres, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at the age of 92. Collye was born Nov. 16, 1915, in Crenshaw, Mississippi, and was the daughter of Lillie Mae 'McCharen' Dickson and Floyd Baskel Dickson. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Alton Bernard Walker (1966); and two sisters: Mary, 'Mrs. John' Fagan and Rachel 'Mrs. Lothar' Fieg.

Collye was loved by all who knew her, but especially by her only daughter, Margaret Walker McLeod and her five grandchildren: Tommy (Cellane) McLeod; Mary (David) Lewis; Margie (Kevin) Holt; Laura (John) Helms and Bob (Carolyn) McLeod. 12 great-grandchildren: Meredith & Patrick Holt; Landis, Channing & Delaney McLeod; Matthew & Molly Lewis; Kathleen & Nathan Helms & Christina; Connor and Austin McLeod. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews & cousins.

Collye was a person of great strength and resolve. After losing her father at a young age during the Great Depression, she grew up knowing how to work hard. Collye married Alton Bernard Walker in Crenshaw, MS, and they farmed during the 1930's and 40's. In 1950, they moved to Waynesville, NC, where she and her husband owned & managed a motel/restaurant. In 1957, they moved to Winston-Salem in order to help their daughter with her growing family. Collye immediately went to work as a cafeteria manager at The Caravan Room at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. When Jabo, her husband died suddenly in 1966, Collye was left a widow at the age of 50. Collye continued to work for the next 18 years in food service management. She enjoyed her work, but her real vocation was being the most wonderful mother and Grandmother that anyone could ever know. Being a young grandmother made her more fun that most Grandmothers. She was always up for a lively card or board game and she loved to go sledding or roller skating with her grandkids. Her grandkids never thought of her as old and we all adored her. With her long legs, she walked faster than all of us and we loved it when she took us shopping or out to eat. At the age of 70, Collye had finally retired but she came out of retirement for 6 months to get up every morning, drive across town and take care of her first great-grandchild. Collye was an active member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and her later years were spent at Arbor Acres Methodist Retirement Home - many thanks to the wonderful staff who took such good care of her.

Memorial Service : Thursday, October 9, 2:00 p.m.

at : Arbor Acres Methodist Retirement Home

Memorials to : Arbor Acres, 1240 Arbor Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 -or- the charity of your choice.

Local Arrangements by : Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home www.hayworth-miller.com

Interment follows at Longtown Cemetery, Panola County, Mississippi, under direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc., Farmington, MO.