Marguerite Jo "M.J." Walker

Marguerite Jo "M.J." Walker, 62, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023, at her brother's home in Overland Park, KS. She was born on July 13, 1960, in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Donald O. Walker, who resides in Overland Park, KS, and Harriet J. (Harbison) Walker, who preceded her in death.

M.J. was a 1978 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. She furthered her education at State Fair Community College, where she attained her Associates in Education. Later, she attended Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education and her Master's Degree in Special Education. M.J. was a Special Education Teacher with the Tuscumbia school district and also at Smithton High School, retiring in 2013. M.J. was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sedalia. M.J. loved being a foster parent for many kitties and volunteered with the Cat Assistance Team at Petsmart in Sedalia. Before her illness, she could be found there most days, playing with the kitties and offering a kind word and bright smile to anyone stopping by. M.J. was blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful caring, loving, and supportive group of friends and neighbors.

Along with her father, M.J. is survived by a brother, Donald N. Walker of Overland Park, KS; a sister, Deborah J. Walker of Shawnee, KS; two nieces, Electra (Ti Ti) Arzola and Camilla Walker; a nephew, Donald V. Walker; a great-niece, Nayeli Arzola; two great-nephews, John King Arzola and Donald Benecio (Benny) Arzola; two aunts and an uncle; and her beloved kitties, Robin, Spot, Cosmo, and Gobby.

In addition to her mother, M.J. was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Candace Fowler officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the chapel.

The burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Donald V. Walker, Greg Harrell, Cliff McBride, Dan Gertz, Brad Nedderman, and Harry Hoover.

Honorary bearers will be Don Woods, Larry Paxton, Kenny Mullis, and Robert Bond.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cat Assistant Team - Sedalia, and First United Methodist Church, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.