Evelyn Stripling Ricketson Walker

WAYCROSS — Evelyn Stripling Ricketson Walker, 94, passed away Saturday evening, April 2, 2022, at her daughter’s residence in Waycross following a brief illness. She was a native of Fitzgerald, Ga., but has resided most of her life in Waycross. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Bennie Leon Ricketson and James E. Walker; her parents, Rev. Theodore F. Stripling and Era Marie Crowe Stripling; a grandson, John Leon Ricketson; a sister, Grace Carter; and three brothers, Billy Stripling, Hansel Stripling and Loron Stripling. She was bookkeeper and office manager for J.S. Smith and Sons for 34 years. She was a lover of music and an accomplished pianist, having served several churches as pianist including Calvary Baptist Church of Waycross. She loved Southern Gospel Music and played for several gospel groups through the years. She was a member of Central Baptist Church where she has been a Sunday School teacher for many years, and received a plaque recognizing her for 65 years of teaching Sunday School. She had a love for a seniors and served  as president of the Merrymakers of Central Baptist for 11 years. She also had a love to travel and served as travel coordinator for Merrymakers. Her travels took her to many countries including China, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, etc., as well as much of the U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska. She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl Ricketson Waters (Mike) of Waycross; two sons, Jack Leon Ricketson (Suzanne) of Lilburn, Ga., and Larry Allen Ricketson of Bryant, Ark.; a stepdaughter, Andrea Brigman (Ellis) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla; a stepson, Bobby Walker (Marlene) of Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren, Christopher Davis (Pam), Patrick Davis (Michele), Jonathan Davis, Catherine Hubbard (Brett), Jeremy Ricketson, and Hanna Ricketson; five step grandchildren, Chris Sutton (Wendy), Jason Sutton (Amanda), Scott Sutton, Genny Toon (Josh), and Laura Walker; five great grandchildren; nine step great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral will was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Central Baptist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family began receiving friends at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Members of the Central Baptist Church Merrymakers and all friends who traveled with her through the years were honorary pallbearers. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at musicfuneralhome.com Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.