Mary Walton

Mary Elaine (Gorden) Walton, 87, of Whitehall, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Fellowship Community, Whitehall. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Harold K. Walton. Born in rural Blue Mound, IL, August 18, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Pearl (Mouche) Gorden. At age 13, Mary was the organist at Blue Mound Christian Church in Blue Mound, IL until she graduated high school. She graduated as valedictorian at Blue Mound High School in 1949. She was very active in high school and college music activities. Mary attended Illinois State Normal University and taught in the Taylorville and Blue Mound school districts. She later spent 27 years as a substitute teacher’s aide, working with severe and profound/special needs students in the Decatur Public Schools and at Sunnyside School. Mary was a member of Central Christian Church, Decatur, and a life member of the Illinois Congress of the PTA. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Theurer (Philip) of Mechanicsville, VA, and Diane Richter (Kevin) of Schnecksville, PA; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. , September 3, 2019, at Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown, IL. Arrangements by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.