Beverly June Baine Walker

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce that Beverly June Baine Walker, passed into the presence of her Savior and Lord on August 13 at the age of 95.

Beverly was born on a farm in rural Carterville on July 1, 1930, the youngest of seven children to Ily Britten Baine and Jessie Delaware "Della" (Skinner) Baine. Both her paternal grandfather, John Baine, and her maternal grandfather, Nelson Skinner, served in the American Civil War, (on opposing sides). Beverly grew up during the Great Depression and WW II.

She married Bud William Walker, on February 23, 1952, whom she met on the school bus in high school. They began courting in college after he bought one of her pies at a school fund-raising event. They married during the Korean Conflict and after one week of marriage he was sent overseas for a year with the US Air Force. They eventually made their home on the outskirts of Carbondale and shared 54 years of marriage before his passing in 2006.

Beverly came to faith in Christ as a teen at Zion Methodist Church in Makanda, IL. After marriage, she and Bud became charter members of Lakeland Baptist Church where she served in several capacities over her 63 years there, some of those being Sunday School and VBS teacher, choir member, pianist, missions' leader, church historian, ministry to international women at SIU, and the senior adult activities coordinator. She loved Christ and she loved the Church.

After attending a one-room school through eighth grade, Beverly graduated from Carbondale Community High school in 1947 and received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, graduating with high honors in 1951 from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After teaching for eight years (six of those in fifth grade at Lakeland Elementary School) and having three children, she returned to SIU for her master's degree, graduating in 1966. Beverly began working first as an academic advisor, then international student advisor where she saw international enrollment grow to over 2,000. When SIU opened a campus in Nakajo, Japan in 1988, Beverly became the Coordinating Assistant to the Principal at Nakajo. She ended her career as Director of Overseas Programs. One of her responsibilities was to coordinate and lead tours of Washington DC and other major cities in the US for SIU's international students and often their parents, as well. She retired from SIU in 1992. Beverly received several awards for her work with international students as well as a "Professional Women of Distinction" Award from SIU.

Bev was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and granny-great! She was happiest spending time with her family and was known for her hospitality, her delicious pies, and her generosity. Her care and concern extended not only to family members and relatives, but also to many international students who were often welcomed into her heart and home.

Her other interests included sewing and quilting. She loved her quilting group and made many beautiful quilts for her family. She loved to travel and camp and over the years she and Bud traveled to all 50 states, as well as visiting several foreign countries. Beverly also loved music. She played the piano, even into her last years, and she loved singing. She was part of the Lorelei Singers, a German Choir, for over 30 years.

At age 89, at the urging of her children, she authored her autobiography, entitled, "Country Girl Sees the World, Memories of a Good Life."

She is proceeded in death by her husband and parents, as well as her siblings; Mary Margaret Patterson, Evelyn Hudgens, Albert Leroy Baine, Doris Forgach, and brothers Howard and Richard, who died in infancy.

Beverly is survived by her three children; Jo Lynn (Ed) Smalley of Salem, IL, Jenifer Nan (Bill) Flathers, of Palmyra, VA, and Gregory Wayne (Angela) Walker, of Saucier, MS, as well as her 11 grandchildren; Sarah Townes, Joshua Smalley, and Zachary Smalley; Meghan Sides, Will Flathers, Caitlin Nichols, Erin Flathers, and Patrick Flathers; Jamie Lungu, Nicole Gallien, and Ben Walker. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ellie, & Walker; Caleb, Lydia, Christian, Deacon, Philip, Micah, Verity, Liam, Junia, & Sadie; and Helina, Zaiden, Jazlyn, Cameron, & Jackson, and one dear sister-in-law; Jane (Walker) Sims, along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom were blessed by her love, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeland Baptist Church on Saturday, August 23, 2025 with visitation from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm, and service beginning at 12:30 pm. Interment will be at Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lakeland Baptist Church or Pioneers Bible Translators, re: Jamie Lungu support.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Beverly, visit www.meredithfh.com.

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4.