Dorcas Lavoyce Walker

Dorcas Lavoyce Darnell Walker ended her earthly life on Saturday, March 25th 2017. She was lovingly known as “Nanny” by all who knew and loved her. Born on September 22nd 1920, she was the daughter of William and Dura Maylene Darnell. She married the love of her life, Clyde Walker, on April 8th 1937. They were married for 44 years. Together they farmed near Weinert, Texas where she also worked at the Knox City Department store. They moved to Abilene in 1963. It was there that she owned and operated the Dorcas Walker Beauty Salon on Hickory Street for 19 years. She and Clyde traveled and camped with the “Good Sam Club” and she continued for many years after Clyde’s death in 1981. She looked forward to the annual camping trips that she and Clyde made to Ruidosa in their travel trailer. She loved to sew, especially for her daughter, granddaughters and great grandchildren. She made several wedding dresses (including her daughter’s), all the attendants’ dresses for both of her granddaughter’s weddings, and many prom and formal dresses for her granddaughters. She was a great cook. She made birthday cakes for all her family members right up until her death. Her grandchildren’s favorite dishes were mashed potatoes (with a secret ingredient) and chocolate pie. Her family was fortunate to be able to celebrate her 96th birthday with her this past September. She was a faithful member of the Westgate Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband - Clyde; sister - Eunice Helwig; and brother - Floyd Darnell. She is survived by a brother - James Darnell of Waco; her daughter - Linda Newhouse and husband, Don of Abilene; grandchildren - Karla Boone and husband, Larry of Allen, and Lisa Janssen of Abilene; great-grandchildren - Dustin Janssen of Mito, Japan, Kelsey Ishmael and husband Ryan of Anna, Shelby Noguchi and husband Jeff of Moody, and Carson Boone of Richardson; great-great-grandchildren – Sakura and Raijin Noguchi; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, March 27th, 2017 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 at Westgate Church of Christ in Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Donations can be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine, Abilene, TX 79601; or Westgate Church of Christ Children’s Ministry, 402 S. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605. Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed.”