Blanche Walnee Akin Walker, 91, died peacefully at her home in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 4, 2021. Blanche was born on February 26, 1930, to William Terry and Annie Lou Graves Akin. As with many farming families during the depression, all twelve children were born in the Hamilton area of Benton County with no electricity or plumbing. Sometime later, her father purchased farmland near Ashland, built his home, and moved the family there.

Blanche played happily with her brothers and sisters between school and necessary farm chores as a young girl. She attended Ashland High School and married Edward Phillips Walker August 15, 1946.

Blanche moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband. There she raised her family. After investing her life as a stay-at-home mother to her four children, Blanche worked hard to earn her GED after the passing of her husband in 1971. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to take education seriously.

Blanche loved working. She was a valued employee of Gerber Department Store and, afterward, M.M. Cohn. She finished her career at SAM's Club, where she loved to greet the customers and see all the pretty babies as they rolled by with their parents.

An avid reader, Blanche always had a library book in one hand, one waiting to be read on her side table, and her well-worn Bible was never far from reach.

By far, Blanche's highest calling in life was her identity as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her delight in her grandchildren was unparalleled. From traditional black-eyed peas and cornbread supper every New Year, little bunny-shaped bakery cakes for Easter dessert, summer slumber parties, and Christmas celebrations that lasted all afternoon—Blanche was a true matriarch leading our family through life. She taught us the value of family, traditions, and honesty, among many other lessons. She led by example, placing her future in the hands of God.

Blanche was a faithful member of Whitehaven Baptist Church  for many years and later moved her membership to Forest Hill Baptist when she relocated with her daughter, Phyllis. She frequently had her grandchildren spend Saturday nights with her to bring us to church with her. She had many friends in her Sunday School Class and took delight in showing off her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's pictures any chance she had.

Blanche was preceded in death by husband Edward Phillips Walker, daughter Carol Ann Snowden, son Paul Walker, and, parents William Terry Akin and Annie Lou Graves Akin, brothers Elmo Akin, Wayne Akin, Malcolm Akin, and Fletcher Akin and sisters Norma Gresham, Twyla Gresham, Helen Stroupe, and Mary Ruth Akin.

Blanche is survived by her sisters Carneil Meisel, Melba Walker, and Bobbie Ford, son Terry Walker (Vicki), daughter Phyllis Walker, son-in-law Rick Snowden, and daughter-in-law Debbie Edge as well as grandchildren Dan Snowden, Drew Snowden (Carolyn), Laura Walker, Phillips Walker, Marc Walker (Caroline), and Brian Walker (Juliet). Blanche is also survived by great-grandchildren Dalton Snowden, Robin and Hallie Snowden, Bethany, Sarah Jane, and Sam Warford, Phillips Walker Jr., and the newest addition, Catherine August Walker.

The family would like to extend personal thanks to the caregivers who assisted our Bebe in her last few years, especially Natalie Hopkins, Star Adams, Lydia Cole, and Nikki DeShay, and the care team from Easy Living Home Health Care. Your tender compassion will not be forgotten.