Funeral services for Gladys Irene Bayless Walker will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church at 2:0o P.M. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston.  Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston. Rev. Bob Deich and Rev. Ricky Baker will officiate.

Mrs. Irene was born on July 22, 1922 in Hot Springs, Arkansas and passed away on January 11, 2021 in her home in Ruston.  She loved God, her family and grandchildren, and friends. She accepted Jesus as a youth and has been active in her church all her life.  She has taught children’s Sunday School, sang in the choir, worked in Outreach Ministry and was beloved by many. She devoted herself to raising her children until they were grown.  Then, she worked as a secretary for Grace United Methodist Church and Louisiana Tech University for many years afterwards.  Mrs. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, William Calloway Bayless and Selma Irene Harper Bayless; husband, A. R. “Buddy” Walker, Jr.; brother, William Eldred Bayless; and son, Russell Bayless Walker.

Mrs. Irene is survived by her children, Richard Lee Walker and Steven Carl Walker and his wife, Jan; grandchildren, Steven Carl Walker, Jr., Lauren Elizabeth Walker Price and her husband, Keifer.

Pallbearers will be Scottie Traylor, Hank Kelly, Jimmy Case, Steven Walker, Jr., Genero Smith, and Jay Atkins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Billy Smith, and Amy, Gale, and the staff of Louisiana Hospice for the loving care of their mother.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com