Martha Shanks Walker
(May 16, 1944 – June 6, 2023)

Martha Shanks Walker, age 79, went to her heavenly home on June 6, 2023. Martha was born to Edgar and Hazel Shanks on May 16, 1944, in Laurel, Mississippi. She graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1961. She first attended Jones County Junior College and transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She was proud to be a Golden Eagle.

Martha worked as a First and Second Grade teacher in the Smith County School District for over 25 years where she touched the lives of hundreds of students. Throughout her life, she took pride and joy in keeping up with her students as they grew up and supporting them when she could. She was also a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville and held her Christian faith to the highest standard.

Martha was known and will be remembered by her family and friends for her years of teaching and molding the lives of her students, her selfless heart for others, her steadfast Christian belief, her dedication to her family, and her love for Elvis and animals. She was a loving mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend to all that knew her and she will be missed by all that knew her.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Hazel Shanks, and one brother, Ed (Eddie Boy) Shanks.

Survivors include her children, Ron Walker of Taylorsville, Leigh Ann Leonard (Chris), of Hattiesburg, and Ellen Shoemaker of Taylorsville; and three grandchildren, Rachel Shoemaker, Noah Shoemaker, and Andrew Leonard. She is also survived by her special first cousin, Ann Rose Howell.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 113 Front Street, Taylorsville, Mississippi. A live stream of the service will be provided on Mims Mitchell Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Facebook page.  Dr. Frankie Clark will officiate the services with interment to follow in the Fellowship Cemetery in Taylorsville. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Taylorsville will be in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 7:30 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at the Colonial Chapel in Taylorsville, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be John Shoemaker, Chris Leonard, Noah Shoemaker, Andrew Leonard, Bo Eaton, Ethan Blakeney, and Bobby Ainsworth.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com