Sue Campbell Walker

On May 10, 2016, Sue was called to Heaven to join her husband, Grover and son, James.Sue's life was an interesting one from the beginning. She was born June 4, 1941 to Rodney and Milre Campbell in a bear hunting cabin on McFalls Creek, a place, that would always be home in her heart. Life took Sue many places, after graduating from the last class of Buchanan High School she attended Madison College (James Madison University) then transferred to East Tennessee State University where she studied to be a teacher. Sue married her husband Grover, in 1962. They met by chance in the 3rd grade when they were seated alongside one another on their first day of school. Grover's job later landed the couple in Glasgow, Virginia. She immediately became active in the small community helping launch the Head-start program, volunteering with literacy programs and later becoming Den mother, Girl Scout leader, and PTA president. Sue also volunteered as a crisis intervention counselor. Sue was a woman of numerous pursuits whose tenacious efforts took her to Washington D.C., where she participated in countless protests and sit downs with her daughters in front of the White House, advocating for the fair treatment of Native Americans. Later in life she took many trips to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservations in South Dakota. Sue was a true democrat and worked with Al Gore, Sr. during his campaign for Governor of Tennessee and treasured the democratic donkey brooch he bestowed upon her. Sue's love for politics came at an early age, stemming from her exposure at R.W. Campbell Store on Jennings Creek, her home away from home. The store was not only where they cast their votes but where they also gathered to discuss topics ranging from political views to the price of feed corn in Iowa.Sue loved to read. Deemed "the walking dictionary" by many, she knew how to spell any word you could throw at her along with its meaning. She passed her love of reading to her children and grandchildren, determined they could better themselves through the power of words. Sue considered raising her five children to be her greatest accomplishment. When her son James was severely injured in a work accident she dedicated her life to caring for him for 17 years until his passing.Sue was a lifelong member of the Sherando Methodist Church. Her favorite biblical verse was Proverbs 22:1- "A good name is rather to be chosen then great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold." This verse exemplified the way she lived her life. Sue never met a stranger and was always able to find the common connection with everyone she met. She had a passion for genealogy, history, attending plays, seminars on just about anything, and she always loved finding a good bargain. Sue had an interest in history that was sparked by her ancestor's participation and their sacrifices for this country's freedom. She was proud to be a direct descendent of Christian Balsley, renowned for firing the first shot in the Battle of Long Island during the American Revolution. One of her life long goals was to become a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), a goal that was accomplished by her granddaughter, Pamela, in her honor.Sue is survived by her children, William Walker Jr., Michael (Melissa) Walker, Susanna (Jay) Carter and Rebecca Walker; grandchildren, Susan (Kyle) Francis, Pamela (David) Byrnes, Clifton McGowan, James Walker Jr., Jonathan Walker, Tyler Walker, Zachary Walker, Alex Mikels, Dalton Wells, Emily Walker, and Erin Walker; great-grandchildren, Logan Nappi, Isaac McGowan, Elizabeth Francis and Liam Walker; lifelong friends, Susie Humphrey, Robert "Butch" Hensley, Patricia and Stuart MacLean. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Grover Walker Sr.; and beloved son, James Walker Sr.Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 4 p.m. at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Pettry officiating. Interment will follow in Watson Cemetery, Chesnut Run Rd., Buchanan. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2016 at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan, 540-254-3000.