Annabelle M. Walker

Annabelle M. Walker was born October 10, 1914 in rural Pawnee County, near Sinnett, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of James and Myrtle (Alburty) Garrison. Annabelle was raised in the Sinnett and Rigsby area, south of Cleveland attending school at Rigsby.

She was married to Ira Carter and the couple had two children, Charles Meryl and June. Ira passed away just prior to the birth of his daughter, June. Annabelle was then married to James (Slim) Walker on July 25, 1927 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. To this union were born three children, Joy, Gary and Sharon. They established their home near Mannford where they raised their children. Annabelle dedicated her life to her family, taking care of her husband and children. She worked endlessly to provide her family with their needs, preparing meals and maintaining the home.

She stood beside her husband in his work in the Lord, assisting in the building of the Keystone General Baptist Church, where Slim served as a deacon. She often prepared meals for the church and funeral dinners as needed in the community. She was often praised for her cooking and especially her homemade cinnamon rolls, known to many as hogs. Later she helped her husband to establish another church in the area on Highway 48, Oak Hill Baptist Church, where the couple were charter members with Slim again serving as a deacon. Slim preceded her in death on June 3, 1983 after forty-six years of marriage.

Annabelle truly enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for her family. She canned vegetables picked fresh from the garden and used them to feed her family throughout the year. She loved working with her hands and was extremely talented in arts and crafts. Annabelle also spent countless hours crocheting afghans, giving them to her family. She also enjoyed participating at the senior citizens center in Mannford where she was involved with ceramics as a hobby, making many angels and other items. She was also a member of the Westport Ladies Friendship Club. Additionally, she liked listening to gospel music including the Gaithers and the Statler Brothers and she enjoyed reading western novels.

Annabelle went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Cimarron Pointe Care Center in Mannford at the age of ninety-one years, eleven months and twenty-four days. She had remained at home with the assistance of her children until the last week of her life, a testimonial to the love and care for their mother. In addition to her husbands, Ira and James, Annabelle was preceded in death by her parents, son, Charles Meryl Carter, three sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by a son, Gary Walker of Mannford, Oklahoma; three daughters, June Bartley of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Joy Murr of Sand Springs, and Sharon Goddard of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; twelve grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friend who mourn her passing.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 6, 2006 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Rev. Edgar Beaver officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.