Mary Virginia Walker

Mary Walker was born February 20, 1932, in Carlsbad, New Mexico to James Watson Stagner and Leona Stagner (Allinger). She was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Louise Wilson.

Mary graduated from Carlsbad High School and attended the University of Arizona. She graduated with a degree in Education, with honors. She taught one year in El Paso, Texas and then moved to Carlsbad. When all of her children were in school she re-entered the teaching field as an English teacher. She taught for 32 years at Carlsbad Mid-High School and Carlsbad Senior High School. While teaching at the high school she also taught at NMSU at Carlsbad and College of the Southwest. She had a way of making learning fun and always had a contagious smile ready. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and was a Sunday School attender, Choir Member, Bell Player and Bible Study participant. She was a member of PEO, Chapter A.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. James W. Stagner and her sister, Louise Wilson. She is survived by her children, Deana Montara and husband Ken of St. Augustine Florida, Mary Lou Leavell and husband Monty of Artesia, NM, James B. Walker and Becky Kover of Carlsbad, NM and John Walker and wife Debbie of Waco, Texas. Grandchildren, Deane Louise Green, Shane Davis, Anthony Wilson, Matthew Walker, Timothy Walker, Brittany Vandergriff. 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson, nephew Jim Wilson and nieces Alice Wilson, Dena Wilson and Mary Gonzalez.

Cremation has taken place and private services will be held November 19, 2022, with Pastor and son-in-law Monty Leavell officiating. Memorials can be made in Mary’s honor to Sacramento Camp & Conference Center where she loved to spend time as a counselor during the summer or just enjoying God’s beauty around her.