Zandra Morris Walker

Zandra Morris Walker, 70, of Water Valley, passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 14, 2026.

She was born July 18, 1955, to Lina D. Morris and C.A. "Dude" Morris at Dr. George Brown's hospital on Panola Street in Water Valley. She grew up in a lively household as the youngest of six children and remained a lifelong resident of Water Valley, never losing her deep affection for the town and its people.

She graduated from Water Valley High School in 1973 and later attended Northwest Junior College, where she served as a cheerleader.

Zandra was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley. She sang in the choir and served in many capacities through the years. She often joked that she didn't have much of a singing voice, but those who stood beside her in the choir would tell you she certainly did.

Zandra was also well known through her work with the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, where she served as manager for many years. For countless visitors and residents alike, she was the welcoming voice on the phone and the friendly face behind the Chamber desk, always ready to help people find the right place, the right person, or the right answer. Anyone who ever walked into the Chamber office also remembers Zandra's smile which could brighten a room.

Zandra and her husband, Dr. Joe W. Walker, were honored as Grand Marshals of the Water Valley Christmas Parade in 2005, a recognition that reflected their long involvement in the life of the town.

Her love of flowers and gardening was well known throughout town. Zandra could often be spotted downtown tending one of the Garden Club planters or working among the flowers in Railroad Park. She was a longtime member of the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club, where she served as past president and most recently as vice president, and she was the recipient of the Luella Fair Community Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to beautifying the community. She knew more about flowers and plants than almost anyone and was always happy to share what she knew. She also had a knack for knowing exactly where around town the right greenery or blooming flowers might be found, and just as importantly, who was growing them and wouldn't mind sharing.

Zandra was a gifted floral designer and created beautiful arrangements for many parties, engagements, and weddings over the years. It was never just the flowers, but the care and love she brought to each occasion that people remembered. Wherever Zandra went, someone was likely to stop her and tell her how much the flowers she had done for a special event had meant to them.

Zandra was deeply involved in the lives of her children while they were growing up and rarely missed school or sports activities.

She was also a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Water Valley and gave her time generously to the organizations and people who make up the life of the town.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joe W. Walker; her parents, Lina and Dude Morris; her sister, Brenda Smith; and her son, Woody Walker.

She is survived by her children, John W. Walker of Oxford, Mississippi; Justin Ward Walker of Rutland, Vermont; Mary Ann Griffin (Piet) of Greenville, Mississippi; and Joe Walker (Jacqueline) of Rutland, Vermont. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Hart and Peggy Taylor of Water Valley; her brothers, Jerry Morris of Water Valley and Ron Morris of Holly Lake, Texas; six grandchildren, Anna Marie Green, Addison Walker, Thomas Griffin, Jessica Griffin Hawkins, Jacob Walker, and Sam Walker; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Zandra's life was deeply rooted in Water Valley. She loved her church, her flowers, and the people who made up the town she called home.

A funeral service honoring Zandra's life will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Water Valley. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.

Those who knew Zandra will remember her kindness, her generosity, and that unmistakable laugh. It was the kind of laugh you could hear before you even saw her, and it is a sound many people in Water Valley will always remember.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Water Valley or to the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club.

Seven Oaks Funeral Home is honored to work with Zandra's family during this difficult time. We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.