Frances Theresa Walker

Frances Theresa Walker, 84, died on Aug. 27, 2010, at a Sulphur hospital. She was born on Aug. 4, 1926, in Port Arthur, Texas, the oldest of six children to Joseph and Rose Palermo.

From a young age, she was also a high energy idea-seeker and problem solver who loved being active and getting things done. She found her soulmate and partner for life at an American Legion gathering during World War II and married Wayne on Aug. 24, 1945, in San Diego, Cali. After getting her real estate license, she joined her father in the family business - Palermo Real Estate and Construction of Sulphur - until her retirement in 1983. During her career years, Mrs. Walker was involved in Women in Construction and American Business Woman where she served as president for four years.

After her busy career in Sulphur, the couple decided to move to Toledo Bend for a slower paced lifestyle. The idea of easy living was soon replaced by volunteerism and work toward making Toledo Bend a better place to live. She worked toward establishing the Glenwood Park Fire Station, Crime Watch and St. Terrance Catholic Church; founded the Glenwood Park Property Owners and served as president; helped charter the South Toledo Bend Civic Association and served as secretary; helped organize the Toledo Bend Citizens Advisory Committee; appointed by the SRA to serve as representative of the people and later became president; and was among those who formed South Toledo Bend Water District, where she was appointed secretary/treasurer by the Police Jury.

She loved cooking good food and socializing, enjoyed going fishing and out to eat with friends, and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. An outgoing lady, always dressed to the nines, Frances was honored with her own special day several years ago in Toledo Bend.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Wayne; three children, Gaylynn Taylor and husband, Danny, of Sulphur; Theresa Talbot and husband, Everette, of Spring, Texas; and Chris Walker of Spring, Texas. She also leaves behind brothers Tony Palermo of Sulphur, Myron Palermo of Gillis, Joseph Palermo of Sulphur and sister Maryann Fiorenza of Beaumont, Texas. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Michael Taylor, Kristy Russell and husband, Greg; Trisha Carroll and husband, Shane; Chase Walker and Chance Walker and one great-grandchild, Chase Russell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Rose Palermo, and sister, Carolyn Palermo.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 30 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Aubrey Guilbeau officiating. Burial followed at the Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss.