Dorothy "Dottie" Lou Henson Walker

Dorothy (“Dottie”) Lou Henson Walker

Dorothy “Dottie” Walker, 92, of Indianapolis, IN, Sarasota, FL and Edgewater, FL, was reunited with the love of her life, her “Tomboy,” in heaven on May 27, 2023.

Dottie was born on January 27, 1931, to Dorothy and Ralph Henson. She grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. She graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1948. She attended DePauw University, where she was a Tri Delt and the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. She graduated from DePauw in 1952 with a degree in elementary education. On June 15, 1952, she married Thomas Cole Walker, while he was on a 3-day pass from the army. Tom & Dottie lived most of their lives in Indianapolis but loved their summers at Lake Wawasee and their winters on Siesta Key. Their love and commitment to each other for their 60 plus years together was an inspiration to many. They held hands until their time on earth together ended. Tom predeceased Dottie on November 23, 2011.

Dottie is survived by her 4 children and their spouses: David Walker (Wendy), Karen Walker Holiday (Jim), Michael Walker (Hattie), Linda Walker Thrapp (Rich); her 7 grandchildren: Alex Walker, Laura Walker, Katie Thrapp, Madeline Walker Garvin, Julia Thrapp DiZio, John Thomas Thrapp and Kelly Thrapp; and her 4 great-grandchildren: Campbell Cole, Gentry, Riley Lou, Finley (and a 5th on the way).

Dottie was a teacher, both professionally and at heart. She appreciated the beauty of “God gifts” such as a cardinal in the snow, a flower blooming in the sun, or a great blue heron at the lake. She lived her life with a childlike wonder. Her favorite age was 3 and 4 year olds, and she taught that age for 23 years at Lawrence United Methodist Church preschool. She also served on the planning committee that started the preschool in 1966 and on the preschool board. Dottie was involved in the Salvation Army Auxiliary in Indianapolis and served as president.

Dottie’s family would like to thank the incredible caregivers of Brilliance Assisted Living in Edgewater, Florida, and Vitas Hospice, who kept Dottie happy, comfortable, and singing in her final years. Dottie will be laid to rest next to Tom at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, and the family will have a memorial service later in the summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Indianapolis chapter, 6060 Castleway West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46250 salvationarmyindiana.org, or to a charity of your choice.