Celebrating the life of
Elizabeth Sophia Flanders Walker
August 16, 1927 - July 04, 2016
SAVANNAH - Elizabeth Sophia Flanders was born in Eastman, Georgia on August 16, 1927 and died peacefully at home on July 4, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ila Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Hansel Lovett Flanders, her brothers Charles Wilton Flanders, Raiford (Ray) Timothy Flanders, Lovett Hansel, Jr (Sonny) and James Russell Flanders and her husband, Dr. Robert Lee Walker Jr. She is survived by two sons, Robert Samuel Walker (Odessa) and Rodney Stephen Walker (Ann), one sister, Ila Louise Flanders Hilliard, sisters-in-law, Anna Flanders (Sonny), Betty Flanders (Ray), and Nancy Flanders (Russell); grandchildren, Shannon Walker, Marianne Walker, Patrick Walker (Erin) and Erin Perry (Phillip), and three great-grandchildren, Anna Jane Harben, Abigail Walker and Grady Walker; several cousins, nieces, nephews & dear friends.
Liz survived the Great Depression and often mentioned Hoover Jelly, Hoe-Cake and walking approx. 2 miles on a dirt road to school. Times were very hard for everyone but it didn’t affect her because she simply believed that everyone else lived the same way as they did. She graduated from Bonaire High School in 1944 at the age of 16.
Her first job was at the Robins Air Force Base. She attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, GA. After going there for one year, she decided to change her major from design to business. She enrolled in Alabama Business College in Macon, GA. She was the first female employee hired by Inland Container in Macon and was a dedicated employee for 8 years.
In 1953 she moved to Atlanta, GA and went to work for the Georgia State Chamber of Commerce. She worked there for 2 years and during this time she married Robert Lee Walker Jr. They purchased a home at 652 Park Lane in Decatur, GA in 1960 where she lived for 47 years. Liz retired from the VA Hospital after 20 years. She was an active member at Decatur First United Methodist Church. She always loved to play tennis and golf whenever she could.
In 2006 she moved to Skidaway Island just 4 doors down from her son, Rod. She was no longer able to play golf or tennis but enjoyed walking and playing bridge. Many times she played bridge 5 days a week.
Liz was a woman of strong faith. She and her son, Rob, had frequent discussions about believing in Jesus and Heaven. She was an active member of Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, involved in Sunday School and Bible Study and attending weekly worship services as long as she was able. Her favorite hymns were “In the Garden”, “Amazing Grace”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagles’ Wings”.
Liz loved spending time with her family and friends. For many years, her Thanksgiving table hosted more people than the table would seat and there was always room for one more. If you knew her, you loved her and she will be deeply missed.
Her favorite sayings were “Everything happens for a reason.” and “When one door closes, another door opens.” She described Skidaway Island as a magical place to live and commented that she planned to live the rest of her life there as long as it was God’s perfect will. And that’s what she did!
There will be a memorial service at Skidaway Island Methodist Church in Savannah, GA on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements by Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Savannah, GA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411 or The One Hundred Benefiting the Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah, P.O. Box 23089, Savannah, GA 31403-3089.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Mrs. Walker was an amazing person and a very strong and confident woman. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to Rod and Ann, Rob and Odessa and all the rest of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad and emotional time.
- Cynthia Herold, Savannah, GA
My heart is broken. What a wonderful person she was and she taught each member of her family to be. I'm so thankful to have had her in my life when I did. She was a grandmother to me when mine were far away. She always welcomed me into her home and I loved her wonderful southern cooking! No doubt her memory will be eternal. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
- Alexis F., Pine Lake, GA
Your Mom always had time to talk with me when I was growing up. Her gentle, kind way always made my concerns disappear and replaced with happy thoughts. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Louis Atwood, Homer, Ga
My sincere condolences to the Flanders Walker family on the passing of Elizabeth. May Jehovah God,the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories linger in your heart and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Mrs. Walker was an amazing person and a very strong and confident woman. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to Rod and Ann, Rob and Odessa and all the rest of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad and emotional time.
- Cynthia Herold, Savannah, GA
My heart is broken. What a wonderful person she was and she taught each member of her family to be. I'm so thankful to have had her in my life when I did. She was a grandmother to me when mine were far away. She always welcomed me into her home and I loved her wonderful southern cooking! No doubt her memory will be eternal. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
- Alexis F., Pine Lake, GA
Your Mom always had time to talk with me when I was growing up. Her gentle, kind way always made my concerns disappear and replaced with happy thoughts. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Louis Atwood, Homer, Ga
My sincere condolences to the Flanders Walker family on the passing of Elizabeth. May Jehovah God,the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories linger in your heart and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
