By Jennifer L. Williams

For the Enquirer

How do you honor and remember an icon?

It’s a daunting task – one made more so by the amazing and varied accomplishments of someone like Faye Walker, who not only served as a trailblazer in the Morgan County School system but also worked continuously and tirelessly as a community leader late into her 80s.

Walker passed away Oct. 20 after complications from a stroke, leaving a huge hole not only within her family but in her community as well.

Born in rural Morgan County on June 14, 1930, Walker grew up in the Florette community and graduated from Cotaco High School in 1947. She earned degrees from Florence State Teachers College – now the University of North Alabama – and Alabama Polytechnic and certificates from Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Walker went on to spend a half century in education – as a teacher, administrator and as the first female director for Morgan County Schools, affecting countless lives all across the county and state.

After retiring from education in 2000, Walker remained active, supporting education, arts and civic organizations and East Highland Baptist Church in Hartselle.

Good friend Bettye English recalled meeting Walker 35 years ago when both women volunteered for the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce. “From then on, regardless of the project I was involved in, Faye was always ready to step in and help me,” English said.

“Our work continued with The Burleson Center, Hartselle Historical Society, family reunion functions and church activities,” she added. “I could just mention in daily conversations what I was planning or about to do. Her comment would be, ‘How can I help? I will be right there.’

“I am not sure how our husbands were so understanding during their lifetimes with all we did,” English continued. “They never complained, at least to us … It was wonderful having a friend who was always ready to help.”

English said Walker will be missed in the community in so many ways.

Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison recalled when the Historic F.E. Burleson Center was slated for demolition, Walker and English were instrumental in saving the old building and giving it a new purpose as the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

“In fact,” he said, “if not for the work of folks like Faye, Bettye English and others, the lot at 307 College St., would be vacant. Faye shared with me that she was determined that the building would not be torn down, even if she had to chain herself to one of the columns when the dozer came up to knock it down.

“Faye worked hard and spent countless hours working on the old building. There was not any task that needed to be performed that she was not there – and many times leading the charge – to make sure it was completed,” Garrison added.

Walker not only saved the building but brought new life to the former school, which is now known as the Burleson Center. It now hosts events such Camp Artselle, an annual week-long summer camp for the arts. Family members commented the camp was Walker’s favorite volunteer event.

Even in her death, Walker continues to help the building she fought so hard to save —her family requesting that memorial donations be made to The Burleson Center in lieu of flowers.

The Burleson Center was not her only accomplishment. Walker also received numerous other honors and accolades for her volunteer service and contributions to the community, including the Morgan County Leadership Hall of Fame, Civitan Citizen of the Year, Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, Hartselle Beautification Good Neighbor Award and the Thomas Guyton Humanitarian Award. The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce also has an award named after Walker and English.

Most would agree Walker’s legacy to Hartselle is the true gem – in ways both visible and unseen.

Walker was preceeded in death by her husband and fellow educator, Doyle Walker. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Jan, three grandchildren, Bill, Jr. (Allison), Mike (Jordan) and Matt (Sallie) and two great grandchildren, Jude and Magnolia.