Emma Jane Walls

Emma Jane Walls was born on December 29, 1932, in LaGrange, Kentucky, to the late Christine and Levy Johnson. Her early years on her grandparents’ farm instilled in her a lifelong love of farming, gardening, baking, and caring for others. Surrounded by family and friends, she carried a spirit of loyalty, warmth, and community with her throughout her life.

She graduated as valedictorian from the Lincoln Institute at age 16 and completed nursing school at age 19, becoming one of the first Black graduates of Holy Cross Nursing School at Saint Mary’s College. Her dedication and talent led to a distinguished 36-year career at Clark Memorial Hospital, where she served as Head Charge Nurse and later as supervisor of the entire hospital. Known for her thoroughness, ambition, and ability to impress everyone she met, Emma brought the same steadfast care to her patients and colleagues that she showed to her own family.

She found joy in attending live shows, visiting with family, watching birds, cheering for Louisville basketball, and sharing stories from her long life. To know Emma was to know someone who showed up, spoke truthfully, and loved deeply.

On March 10, 2026, Emma passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carey Walls Jr., and her siblings Dorothy Bertrand, Leon Johnson, and Jewell Spillman. She is survived by her four children, Christy Buyck (James Buyck), Carey Walls III, Sandra Posey (William Posey), and Craig Walls; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she cherished with all her heart.