Jackie Walker

Jackie Gregory Walker, born on May 7th 1947 in Roanoke, Virginia, passed away at Scotland Memorial Hospital on August 20th 2024, at the age of 77. Jackie was a compassionate and dedicated individual who spent her life in service to others. She held a master’s degree in psychology and had a varied and impactful career, always in the pursuit of helping those less fortunate.

During the course of her life, Jackie wore many hats. She worked in group homes with developmentally disabled children & adults. She was an instructor within the NC prison system, rehabilitating and preparing individuals for life after release. As a liaison to the NC Employment Security Commission, she retrained and helped to place seniors back into the workforce. But her most meaningful accomplishment was the creation of a domestic violence shelter in the Boone, NC area, where she provided a safe haven and support for countless individuals in need. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Jackie was a talented writer, earning many awards and accolades for her deeply moving poetry. She was also a visual artist who enjoyed drawing, painting and other forms of artistic expression. Her love for the mountains inspired much of her work, and she found solace in their serene beauty. She had a deep appreciation for music, which brought her great joy and continued to impact her right up through her final days. 

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held in the fall, her favorite time of year, with details to be announced at a later date. She will be laid to rest with her beloved parents, Elizabeth Tucker Gregory and James Henry Gregory, at Greenwood Cemetery in Dunn, North Carolina. 

Jackie is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Herring Swenson (Tim) and Kimberly Sadoski Howard (Ronnie). She was a proud grandmother to three: Amber Peterson (James), Alexander Moscoso (Kat), and Bridges Howard (Taylor), and a beloved great-grandmother to seven: Haleigh, Silas, Tessa, Kylie, Logen, Skye, and CJ. 

Jackie’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping others will be remembered by all who knew her. 

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