Betty Jean (Messer) Walker

Betty Jean (Messer) Walker, 85, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64138. A visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Betty was born on August 21, 1937 in Galena, Kansas to George Walter and Gwendolyn O. (Downs) Messer. She grew up and was raised in Joplin, Missouri. On August 28, 1955, she was united in marriage to James T. Walker at their minister’s home in Independence, Missouri. To this union, they had four children. Betty worked for Western Electric and Bendix. But her most loved job was for Quintiles Pharmaceuticals in Overland Park, Kansas where she worked for 10 years before retiring.

Betty enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and making her and James’ clothes for the Hickory Kickers Square Dancers in Raytown, Missouri where they loved to dance. She was a devout Christian and read her Bible and devotions daily. She was a member of The Grandview Church of Christ in Grandview, Missouri. She was known as the “Card Lady” and would send birthday, anniversary, and greeting cards to anyone and everyone.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, Bob Messer; and sons-in-law, Gary Hershey and Merlin Sullins. She is survived by her children, Cindy Hershey of Frankfort, Kansas, Debbie Sullins of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Donald Walker and his wife Linda of Smithville, Missouri, Ronald Walker and his wife Kimberley of Platte County, Missouri; grandchildren, Brandon E. Sullins, Brian Hershey, Jennifer Parks, Andrea Sullins, Amanda Stringer, Samantha Sullins, Brett Walker, Jordan Walker, Stefan Hershey, Dylan Walker, Eric Walker, David Butler, Sara Young, and Jessica Botts; 21 great grandchildren;  1 great great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64138. A visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.