JoAnne Walker

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Carol JoAnne Walker mourns her
peaceful passing on July 9, 2023 at the age of 82 years old. JoAnne was surrounded by all her
sons and many family members. She is a deeply cherished mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother.

JoAnne was born in Moline, Illinois on August 30, 1940 and is the oldest of three children. She
grew up attending Rock Island schools, graduating from Rock Island High School in 1958.
Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Earl Victor Walker. They married in May 1959
and spent a few years in Southern California before moving back to the Quad Cities to raise
their boys. When the boys were older, JoAnne returned to school and earned a bachelor’s
degree at Augustana College. She spent a summer studying in Geneva, Switzerland and seeing
much of Europe with her mom. In the following years, she worked in the business world for
Howard Braren Associates, IBM, Elliott Flying Service at the Quad City Airport and Raytheon.
Her favorite pastimes included flying, sailing, ice skating, vacations with family and friends, and
dancing the night away with Victor. After retiring, JoAnne and Victor built their dream home in
Tavares, Florida and moved there with her mother. Victor and JoAnne had fun working in their
“retirement jobs” at Disney World while their house was being built. They loved Disney life and
enjoyed sharing many trips with family and friends. JoAnne was active in their 55+ community.
She attended tap dancing lessons, swimming classes, potlucks, bingo, Bible study and anything
that included music and dancing. More than anything else, JoAnne loved celebrating all
occasions at her home where all were welcomed and the house was always packed. The last
long trip she and Victor took together fulfilled their lifelong dream. The trip consisted of two
back-to-back Mediterranean cruises with Viking and visiting eight countries.
JoAnne is known for opening her home and heart to everyone. Along with helping out her
parents for over forty years, she cared for her young grandchildren when they came to stay for
months during summer breaks and if that was not enough, she opened her home and heart to
adopt an adult son who needed a home and a family. The last vacation JoAnne took was with
Carlos and her granddaughter Isabella to tour Virginia and the DC area just two weeks before
she was hospitalized.

JoAnne was generous in every aspect of her life and was always there to support her sons and
grandchildren. She was always a lovely, generous and gracious hostess. Along with many
extended family, JoAnne has many lifelong friends who will now miss her dearly.
JoAnne is predeceased by her devoted and adored husband of sixty-one years, Earl Victor
Walker, her loving parents Harold and Anita Earle, her treasured younger brother Steve, and her
beautiful great-nephew Mason.

She will lovingly be remembered by her five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren and
their spouses, and four great grandchildren.

Children : Scott Walker of Clearwater, Florida ( Jennifer ), Eric Walker of Clearwater, Florida,
John Walker of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ana Paula), Joel Walker of Tavares, Florida and adopted
son, Carlos Walker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Grandchildren: Jonathan, Kelli, Jacqueline (Josh), Jared (Courtney), Jordan (Kelsey), Bradley,
Victor, John Paulo, Joel Daniel, and Isabella.
Great grandchildren: Tai, Keira, Freya, and Axel.
JoAnne will fondly be remembered by her nephew, Jeff Waters and his family of Boca Raton,
Florida. JoAnne and Victor lovingly considered Jeff as one of their growing number of sons.
JoAnne is also survived by her younger sister Judy Waters of Arizona and sister-in-law Debbie
Earle of Missouri.

Our hearts are heavy but we know that our devoted mother and grandmother will always be with
us, protecting and guiding us. We find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her loving
husband.

Rest in peace and know that your unconditional love will continue on in the lives of your
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be at Royal Harbor Development 3620 Clipper Way Tavares , FL
32778 on August 16, 2023 from 5pm until 9pm.

A memorial service will be at Esterdahl Mortuary, Ltd. located at 6601 38th Avenue Moline,
Illinois on September 30, 2023 at 2 p.m.

JoAnne’s final resting place will be with her devoted husband and loving parents.