Shirley Ruth Dodson Walker

Shirley Dodson Walker was born in Sparkman Community in Van Buren County, TN, on September 24, 1940 and passed from this life on January 25, 2021 in Cookeville, TN. Her parents were William Mitchell Dodson and Mattie Bryant Dodson (both deceased). In addition to her parents, two sisters, Anna Pearl McNeal and Genella Markum, and three brothers, D. L. Dodson, James Dodson, and Frank Dodson preceded her in death. Also, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey Walker, brothers-in-law, Chip McNeal, Golden Binkley, David Bailey, and B. L. Walker, and sisters-in-law Ruth Dodson (Frank) and Carolyn Walker and several special nieces and nephews preceded her in death. Shirley is survived by her husband, Collier Lee Walker of Sparkman Community, sisters Louise Binkley of Quebeck, TN, Glenda Adams of Readyville, TN, Sue Bailey of Sparkman Community, and June Seamons of Bone Cave Community in Van Buren County, TN. Also surviving her are a brother-in-law, Robert Markum of Murfreesboro, TN and sisters-in-law, Edith Dodson (D.L.) of Bone Cave Community and Geneva Dodson (James) of Piney Community in Van Buren County, TN. Several nephews and nieces survive her. One of Shirley’s requests shortly before her passing was to “tell my nephews and nieces I love them”! Shirley was a life long resident of Sparkman Community with the exception of almost four years, which was lived in Warren County during the early years of her marriage. She loved her home place (Beech Cove Farm) on which she lived for fifty years. Family and family history were important to her. She attended Sparkman Elementary School and Van Buren County High School…she often spoke with fondness of school classmates. She worked at Doyle Shirt Factory and in McMinnville at the Rockford Hosiery and Form Fit Rodgers Manufacturing companies. Her favorite lifetime work had to be along side her husband on the farm, tending cattle, haying, clearing, fencing and keeping the mountain spring water flowing! Shirley, along with her husband, attended and was a member of Laurel Creek Baptist Church. Shirley was an extremely generous person toward others and special causes close to her heart. Graveside service and interment will be in Dodson Cemetery in Sparkman Community on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 2:00. There will be no visitation at Highs. The family requests that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Dodson Cemetery at Dodson Cemetery Treasurer, 563 Seamons Road, Rock Island, TN 38581 or Burritt Memorial Library at 427 College Street, Spencer, TN 38585. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.