Thayer Tomlinson Walker

A well-known Roanoke Valley civic and church leader, Thayer Nancy Tomlinson Walker, 82, of Roanoke, Va., died unexpectedly Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Carilion Hospital, after a brief illness.

Thayer was born on April 27, 1944, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Ruth and Edwin Tomlinson. She was an honors graduate of Renssalaer (Ind.) High and Culver-Stockton College, in Canton, Mo., where in 1966 she earned a bachelor's degree in speech therapy. She continued graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh.

Thayer and William Walker, also a C-SC graduate, who taught in Roanoke area schools, were wed in 1967. Thayer worked for many years in the Roanoke Valley for YMCA, Easter Seals and Presbyterian Community Center.

A longtime member of Westhampton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she served in many roles, including delegate to the denomination's General Assembly, Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, youth group leader and many other responsibilities. She participated in many significant community activities, including Special Olympics. Thayer was a past president of Kiwanis.

She is survived by her son, Mitchell T. Walker of Lynchburg; a sister, Candice (Gael) Cooper of Newburgh, Ind.; two brothers, Mitchell (Jeanne) Tomlinson of East Lansing, Mich. and Bruce (Robin) Tomlinson of Newton, N.J.; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Tomlinson of Quincy, Ill. Other survivors include 13 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Lansing Millis Tomlinson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Westhampton Christian Church, 2515 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA 24015. The Rev. Dr. Erin Reed Cooper, one of Thayer's nieces, will co-officiate, with the Rev. Bob Mooty.