Kathy Shearer Walker, 75, of Hendersonville, North Carolina passed away peacefully, early Monday morning, December 30, 2019. Kathy was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday, July 27, 1944. She was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of countless people as she cared for, entertained, and advocated for family, friends, and her community. She was the only daughter of Albert and Glenys (Struth) Shearer’s three children (Michael and Philip) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She graduated from Tulsa Central High School, and received her BA in Art Education at Oklahoma State University. She went back to her old high school to teach visual art, as well as being the cheerleader sponsor for three years. It was at this time when she met her lifelong best friend, and husband, James Walker. They moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where they had two sons, Zachary Jennings and Joshua Terrill. They returned to Tulsa to be closer to family, but after a short time, moved to Sutton, West Virginia, where they would spend the next 33 years.

In West Virginia, Kathy taught art while earning a Masters degree in Special Education, as well as her certification in Gifted and Talented Education from the College of Graduate Studies in Charleston, West Virginia. She lived happily with her family, working in various roles in the Braxton County Public Schools. Her ability to coordinate, manage, and execute locally led her to a promotion at RESA (Regional Education Support Agency). While there, she helped initiate and implement numerous programs of benefit to students, public schools and their respective communities contained in RESA IV.

In 1988, she and her family along with other families and members of her community, saved and restored the oldest standing Episcopal church in the state. They kept the stained glass and the pews, added a stage and The Landmark Studio for the Arts was born. In the space, for many years, “The Hillbilly Players” performed plays, musicals, concerts, and events. Kathy touched so many lives through her work at the Landmark, which continues to add culture and art to the Braxton county community.

Kathy was elected and served on the Sutton Town Council for several terms. She also helped with the formation of the Sutton Development Association.

In 2012, Kathy moved to Hendersonville, NC with her cat companion, Nimby. She continued to be a part of the theatre community with the Hendersonville Little Theatre. She continued to draw and paint throughout her entire life. She is survived by her husband, James (Hendersonville, NC), her sons Zach, (Boone, NC), Josh, (Sutton, WV), and her younger brother, Philip Shearer (Albany, GA). She has five grandchildren: Leah Carpenter, Max Walker, Sam Walker and Chloe Walker (Sutton, WV), Lucy Walker (Boone, NC), and three great grandchildren: Wren Carpenter, Soloman Carpenter and Freyja Carpenter (Sutton, WV).

There will be a Celebration of Life service at the Landmark Studio for the Arts in Sutton, WV scheduled for April, 2020. Please watch for postings on social media and in newspapers for more information. Kathy was a courageous woman who lived a life of kindness, compassion, and humor. She will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Alzheimer’s organization.

Arrangements for Mrs. Walker are in the care of Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville, NC.  Online condolences may be shared at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.