Charlene Mathilda Walker

Charlene Matilda Walker (née Carlson), age 85, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on May 20, 2021 in the comfort of her home.

Charlene was born on June 9, 1935 in Sumner, Nebraska, to Henry and Judith Carlson (née Rodine). She graduated from high school in Sumner, Nebraska, and attended college at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1958 with a degree in education.

On June 24, 1960, she married John James Walker in Nebraska. They are the parents of three children, Rachel, Nathan, and Samuel. Charlene worked as a teacher for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mother.

Charlene was a gifted pianist and loved sharing her talent and joy for music with others. She played piano at the church for many years. She taught piano lessons to her children, several grandchildren, and many other students over the years. She especially enjoyed participating in the Redeemer Piano Ensemble with her daughter, Rachel.

Charlene also enjoyed keeping up with family and friends from her childhood, from the church, and from the neighborhood. Charlene would send birthday cards (usually with a written note) to every nephew, niece, sibling, in-law, and grandchild, as well as numerous missionaries and friends and their children. Scores of people can confirm she kept up this practice faithfully and annually and without interruption, for over fifty years.

Charlene is survived by her husband, John Walker of Atlanta, Georgia; her three children: Rachel (Bill) Medley (née Walker) of Roswell, Georgia, Nathan (Heather) Walker of Snellville, Georgia, and Samuel (Karen) Walker of Mansfield, Massachusetts; her elder sister, Joan Hiegel (née Carlson) of Dallas, Texas; nine grandchildren, Beth, Olivia, Jonathan, Thomas, Stephanie, Juliet, Sophia, Daniel, and Anna; and one great-granddaughter on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Judith Carlson, her elder brother, Garland Carlson, and her elder sister, Rosella Felt (née Carlson).

The family will receive guests from 2:00-3:00pm on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00pm. Both services will take place at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033.

Donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.