Wanda Ione Walker

Wanda Ione Walker of Mt. Pleasant, SC, formerly a long-time resident of Clarksville, AR passed away on February 10th. Wanda was born on August 30, 1930, and was 92 at the time of her passing. Several family members and friends were by her bedside when she left this world: Leon & Nancy Kern, Paul and Trevor Eckert and Gene Harris & Cheryl Harris Ledbetter.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Chester “Check” & Alma Brotherton, a sister, Sue Brotherton Warnock and her husband James Marian Walker. She is survived by her sister Robbie Reeves of Hartman, AR, a brother, Billy Brotherton (Gail) also of Hartman, AR. As well as a host of nieces and nephews. Wanda had three children: Gary Eckert of Crystal, MN, Nancy (Leon) Kern of Rogers, AR, and Paul (Rachael) Eckert of Crystal River, FL. Wanda had four grandchildren: Jacob (Nicole) Kern of McKinney TX, Sarah Kern (Jesse) of Lawrence, KS, and Trevor & Cooper Eckert of Crystal River, FL.. She was also blessed with four great grandchildren: Logan, Emily & Nathan Kern of McKinney, TX and Rosemary Bonebrake of Lawrence, KS. Wanda spent the last several years with her companion and best friend, Gene Harris.

She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, President of the Peach Festival for many years, worked on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and received the Chamber of Commerce “Pillar of Progress” award in 1982. She also had her own country band, and they played at the Senior Center and various other venues. Wanda worked at Bobby Teeter’s Drug and Gretchen’s Gifts for over 16 years and provided many a bride with direction in choosing their registry, and transferred these skills to lend a hand at the Presbyterian thrift shop in retirement. Wanda was an accomplished cook, which many fans will attest, a talented singer and was known to never leave the house without her face on and her signature sparkles.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 18th at the U of O Chapel, Clarksville, AR at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Krista Denne officiating the ceremony.