Carol JoAnne Walker's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Carol JoAnne Walker mourns her peaceful passing on July 9, 2023 at the age of 82 years old. JoAnne was surrounded by all her sons and many family members. She is a deeply cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
JoAnne was born in Moline, Illinois on August 30, 1940 and is the oldest of three children. She grew up attending Rock Island schools, graduating from Rock Island High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Earl Victor Walker. They married in May 1959 and spent a few years in Southern California before moving back to the Quad Cities to raise their boys. When the boys were older, JoAnne returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree at Augustana College. She spent a summer studying in Geneva, Switzerland and seeing much of Europe with her mom. In the following years, she worked in the business world for Howard Braren Associates, IBM, Elliott Flying Service at the Quad City Airport and Raytheon.
Her favorite pastimes included flying, sailing, ice skating, vacations with family and friends, and dancing the night away with Victor. After retiring, JoAnne and Victor built their dream home in Tavares, Florida and moved there with her mother. Victor and JoAnne had fun working in their “retirement jobs” at Disney World while their house was being built. They loved Disney life and enjoyed sharing many trips with family and friends. JoAnne was active in their 55+ community. She attended tap dancing lessons, swimming classes, potlucks, bingo, Bible study and anything that included music and dancing. More than anything else, JoAnne loved celebrating all occasions at her home where all were welcomed and the house was always packed. The last long trip she and Victor took together fulfilled their lifelong dream. The trip consisted of two back-to-back Mediterranean cruises with Viking and visiting eight countries.
JoAnne is known for opening her home and heart to everyone. Along with helping out her parents for over forty years, she cared for her young grandchildren when they came to stay for months during summer breaks and if that was not enough, she opened her home and heart to adopt an adult son who needed a home and a family. The last vacation JoAnne took was with Carlos and her granddaughter Isabella to tour Virginia and the DC area just two weeks before she was hospitalized.
JoAnne was generous in every aspect of her life and was always there to support her sons and grandchildren. She was always a lovely, generous and gracious hostess. Along with many extended family, JoAnne has many lifelong friends who will now miss her dearly.
JoAnne is predeceased by her devoted and adored husband of sixty-one years, Earl Victor Walker, her loving parents Harold and Anita Earle, her treasured younger brother Steve, and her beautiful great-nephew Mason.
She will lovingly be remembered by her five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren and their spouses, and four great grandchildren.
Children : Scott Walker of Clearwater, Florida ( Jennifer ), Eric Walker of Clearwater, Florida, John Walker of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ana Paula), Joel Walker of Tavares, Florida and adopted son, Carlos Walker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Grandchildren: Jonathan, Kelli, Jacqueline (Josh), Jared (Courtney), Jordan (Kelsey), Bradley, Victor, John Paulo, Joel Daniel, and Isabella.
Great grandchildren: Tai, Keira, Freya, and Axel.
JoAnne will fondly be remembered by her nephew, Jeff Waters and his family of Boca Raton, Florida. JoAnne and Victor lovingly considered Jeff as one of their growing number of sons. JoAnne is also survived by her younger sister Judy Waters of Arizona and sister-in-law Debbie Earle of Missouri.
Our hearts are heavy but we know that our devoted mother and grandmother will always be with us, protecting and guiding us. We find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her loving husband.
Rest in peace and know that your unconditional love will continue on in the lives of your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be at Royal Harbor Development 3620 Clipper Way Tavares , FL 32778 on August 12, 2023 from 5pm until 9pm.
A memorial service will be at Esterdahl Funeral Home in Moline, Illinois on September 30, 2023. JoAnne’s final resting place will be with her devoted husband and loving parents in her hometown.
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