Dr. Leanna E. Walton

Dr. LeAnna Evans Walton, 81, of Albany died November 9, 2023, at her residence. Dr. Walton was born at Riverside Hospital in Bainbridge on March 7, 1942. Her parents were the late Ruby Loyless Evans and Jesse Howard Evans. Dr.Walton’s life was centered on education, for herself and for so many others. She was a voracious reader and encouraged others to do the same. Dr. Walton was a graduate of West Bainbridge High School. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. She completed her education with a Ph.D. from Georgia State University, an event long commemorated by her Cadillac license plate saying “Dr. Babe”. That endearing title was given her by a beloved brother-in-law. Dr. Walton began her teaching career at Fort Stewart in Hinesville. She spent the remainder of her career in Albany’s schools, including Northside Elementary and Turner Elementary. She later became Principal of Palmyra Heights Elementary, serving for 18 years from August 1978 until her retirement in December 1996. She often lovingly talked of her former students she would see in town, expressing such pride in the careers they had entered.Dr. Walton was committed to serving her community through service organizations and her church. She was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the International Society for Key Women Educators. She led Delta Kappa Gamma as Charter President, State President in 1987-89, and Southeast Regional Director from 1998-2000. She served as Regent of Chehaw Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution for two terms, as well as filling other offices for the Chapter. She also devoted time to exploring her faith and was a member, leader, and supporter of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. In addition to her parents, Dr. Walton was preceded in death by her siblings: Thomas Floyd Evans, Lea Evans Ash, Lou Evans Gebhardt, and Othello Evans. Also pre-deceasing her was former husband, Jerry Walton, and her special friend, Harris Povlot. Survivors include her brother, Raymond Evans (Carole); goddaughter, Amy Balmer Chu; her double first cousin Jimmy Loyless (Beth); many nieces and nephews; and so many cherished friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday November 18, 2023 at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, followed by inurnment in the church’s Columbarium. Honorary pallbearers will be the Vestry of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Walton requested that donations be made to the St. Patrick's Legacy Fund, 4800 Old Dawson Road, Albany, GA 31721. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements. Banks Funeral Home P.O. Box 550 Sylvester, GA 31791 229-776-2055 Phone 229-776-5400 Fax www.banksfh.com

Dr. Leanna E. Walton

March 7, 1942 - November 9, 2023