Dr. Anita Louise Coppedge Pitchford Walker, 84, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at her childhood home in Avinger, TX.

Anita was born Monday, September 6, 1937, in the home where she died, in Avinger, TX, to the proud parents Albert and Gladys Coppedge.

In the Avinger schools she played basketball on the court and trumpet in the band. Like her two sisters, she was the valedictorian of her Avinger senior class.  She began her education at East Texas State, in Commerce, TX.  She continued her education at North Texas State University, achieving both bachelor's and master's in education.  She went on to complete her doctorate in Public School Administration, also at North Texas State University.  She began her career in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District as a primary school teacher and completed her career as superintendent of the Karnack public schools.

As one of the major events celebrating the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial, an old time Wagon Train was organized to highlight the 150th anniversary of Texas' independence from Mexico.  Anita applied and was selected to be the resident School Marm, traveling and camping out during the 3,000-mile, six-month tour of the Great State of Texas, teaching the children whose parents also participated, by using her knowledge of cultural geography to enrich their academic life.

Dr. Walker served as an Environmental Consultant for several important public endeavors: various Main Street projects; the Army Corps of Engineers on the development team constructing Lake Ray Roberts; the Texas Historical Commission in securing Historical Markers on numerous cemeteries in Texas. She came out of retirement when she was recruited by Centenary College, Shreveport to be an adjunct professor of Education.

During her retirement Dr. Walker remained active with involvement in the Caddo Lake Conservancy, the Avinger Chamber of Commerce and the Methodist Church of Avinger.  One of her most cherished activities was singing with the Serendipity Singers of Northeast Texas.

Dr. Walker was preceded in death by her father, Albert C. Coppedge; mother, Gladys Steed Coppedge; second husband, Billy Ray Walker; sister, Peggy Jane Myrick; nephew, Kenneth Wood; step-son, Dean Walker; and son-in-law, Buddy Hughes.

Anita is survived by: daughters, Jeanie Pitchford; Patty Pitchford and husband, Jimmie Lohman; Sylvia Pitchford-Hurd and Kevin; step-daughters Karla Walker Hughes Smith and Lee Walker Merrill; sister, Suzanne Wood and Ralph; brother-in-law, John Myrick.

Also left to carry on the legacy of their "Nini" are grandchildren Casey Jo Henslee, Billy Dale Henslee and Misty, Jay Bridges Henslee, Laura Triada Hurd, Caroline Collette Hurd; great-grandchildren, Kai Hawyer and Cheyenne Henslee. Others left with fond memories are first husband H.B. Pitchford, Jr., one niece, three nephews, and extended family and friends.

A memorial service in honor of Dr. Walker will be scheduled for a later date.

We are all going to miss hearing her stories on Texas history, her undying humor; and her angelic voice in church.

"May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb." ~  Deuteronomy 32:2