Elizabeth “Betty” Lucille Walker, 97, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2010 at the Wuesthoff Hospital in Melbourne FL. Betty was born on Aug. 31, 1912 in Dallas TX. She resided in Melbourne FL with her daughter Loretta Mills, wife of Richard Arbic. She is also survived by her daughter Susan, wife of James W. Doherty, Sr. of Jefferson Township PA. Betty was the daughter of the late Robert Earl Walker and Loretta Dinkelspiel Walker.

Betty moved to New York City as a child and lived there for most of her life. She later lived in Texas, Maryland, and Bernville, Pennsylvania. She studied at Textile High School, The National Academy of Design and Pratt Institute, all of New York. After a career in commercial art she opened “Betty’s Studio Art Gallery” in Elkton MD. There she taught art & calligraphy at her gallery and at Cecil Community College. She also taught at many other schools throughout her lifetime. In Texas she was Art Director for the Farmer’s Branch Community Center In 1994 she moved to Phoebe Berks Village, Wernersville PA and remained there until mid-2008. While at Phoebe she edited their first newsletters and held their first art show, displaying 46 of her art paintings some of which are still hanging there. Her artwork is in private collections in all four states, Arizona and California.

She was a member of the Advertising Women of New York, Metropolitan Motion Picture Club, NY, Space Coast Art League, FL., Business and Professional Women of Reading, and the Art Haven Guild, of Reading, which later became known as the Berks Art Alliance.

Betty’s intelligence and vibrant personality affected all those she touched. In addition to art she was an accomplished seamstress and musician. At Phoebe, she loved the computer, reading and traveling.

Additional survivors include seven grandchildren: Robert F. (Mary) Hopkins, Indialantic FL, Richard H. (Ann Kiesling) Mills, Great Meadows NJ, James W. (Crystal Brown) Doherty, Jr., Cibolo TX, Susan E. (Ric) Walmer, John P. (Karen Schrack) Doherty, Daniel S. Doherty, all of Jefferson Township PA and Kathleen A. (Charles) Failla, Jacksonville FL.

There were sixteen great-grandchildren: Wesley Hopkins, Leesport PA, Donna Seltzer, Pottsville PA, Dyllon and Megan Mills, Great Meadows NJ, Abriana Doherty, Cibolo TX, Jeffry (Amy Messner) Stamm, Marysville CA., Stacy Stamm (Jeremy) Stover, Oceanside CA, Shane and Kris Walmer, Erin and Alec Doherty, Daniel and Shannon Doherty, all of Jefferson Township PA, James, Michael and Matthew Failla, Jacksonville FL. Also three great-great grandchildren: Austin and Gavin Stover, Oceanside CA and Landry Stamm, Marysville CA. She was predeceased by her sisters Loretta Waterman and Myra Chalmers, by grandchildren R. Leland Mills and Marjory L. Doherty and great-grandsons Lee R. Mills and Jacob C. Failla.

Memorable contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498. A celebration of life service is planned for a later date. Burial will be at Pinelawn Memorial Gardens, Farmingdale, Long Island NY at the convenience of the family. Kirkhoff Funeral Home, Bernville PA and Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Home, Melbourne Fl are in charge of arrangements.

Friends are invited to remember and celebrate Betty’s life at the Doherty residence, 731 Summer Mountain Road, Bernville PA, Saturday January 30, 2010 from 2 pm to 5pm.