Darenda Ann Walker

Darenda Ann Walker, 70, of Holly Lake Ranch, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Quitman, Texas.

Born on February 7, 1956, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Bruce Garner and Berniece (Mahaffey) Garner, Darenda met the love of her life, Gary Walker, while attending Riviera Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon. They married there on April 1, 1975, and spent nearly 51 years together, sharing travels, building memories, and cherishing quiet time in each other’s company.

A gifted and compassionate caregiver, Darenda devoted more than four decades to neonatal medicine. From 1980 to 1999 she worked as a Neonatal Nurse, providing comfort and expertise to families in their most vulnerable moments. After earning her master’s degree in 1999, she became a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and continued until her retirement in 2024. Her career took her and Gary across the country, living in Lubbock, Tyler, Galveston, Oregon, and Idaho, where she touched countless lives through her dedicated care.

In retirement, Darenda found joy in volunteering faithfully at the Holly Lake Dog Shelter and advocating for animals in need. She was also an active member of the Holly Lake Pickleball Club and several professional nursing associations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Berniece Garner, and her brother, Ron Garner.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Walker, of Holly Lake Ranch; her beloved dogs, Brodie and Russell; her brother, Bruce L. Garner Jr. of Austin; niece and nephew Cam and Belyn Garner; great-niece Brianna; and three great-great nieces, all of whom she loved deeply.