Nancy Jo Walker

February 26, 1943 - April 6, 2022

Nancy Jo Walker, 79, of Mesa AZ, died on April 6, 2022. Jo was born February 26, 1943, in Morgantown WV, to Charles Minor Smyth and Hallie Stump Smyth. The family moved to Parker AZ, where Jo graduated from Parker High School, and then to Mesa AZ. Jo attended ASU, and after earning an MA in Elementary Education, became a teacher, a calling she followed for nearly 40 years. She is survived by her children, Kristin Walker, Sean Walker, and Quinn Walker; her brother Ken Smyth; and three dogs. Jo loved children, and made friends easily with people of all ages. She was an avid square dancer, and a frequent traveler. She regularly attended theater productions and museums, and was passionate about continuing education, both formal and informal, and constantly sought to learn new things. She played flute and piano, and sang in varied choruses and choirs, as well as around the house. She was a train enthusiast, from scale model to full sized. She took in stray animals, and also people. She was supportive, generous, loving, and compassionate. The influence she had on countless students, colleagues, family, and friends can never be measured or described. A memorial will be held on April 19, 2022, at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 Macdonald Mesa AZ 85201 from 3-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Humane Society or to St. Mary’s Food Bank.