Zandra Morris Walker

Zandra Morris Walker, 70, of Water Valley, passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 14, 2026. Born on July 18, 1955, to Lina D. Morris and C.A. “Dude” Morris at Dr. George Brown’s hospital on Panola Street, she grew up as the youngest of six children in a lively household and remained a lifelong resident of Water Valley, holding a deep and enduring affection for the town and its people.

A 1973 graduate of Water Valley High School, Zandra attended Northwest Junior College, where she served as a cheerleader. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley, where she sang in the choir and served in many capacities. Though she often joked about her singing voice, those who stood beside her knew better. For many years she served as manager of the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, becoming the welcoming voice on the phone and the friendly face behind the desk for countless visitors and residents. Her bright smile could light up any room.

Zandra and her husband, Dr. Joe W. Walker, were honored as Grand Marshals of the Water Valley Christmas Parade in 2005. She had a well-known love of flowers and gardening, often tending planters downtown or working in Railroad Park. A longtime member of the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club, she served as past president and most recently as vice president, and she received the Luella Fair Community Achievement Award for her dedication to beautifying the community. A gifted floral designer, she created beautiful arrangements for parties, engagements, and weddings, bringing care and love to each occasion that people remembered long afterward.

Zandra was deeply involved in the lives of her children, rarely missing school or sports events. She was also a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Water Valley and gave generously of her time to the organizations and people who made the town what it was. 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; 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.

Those who knew Zandra will remember her kindness, her generosity, and that unmistakable laugh—the kind you could hear before you even saw her.