Katherine Walbert Walker

Katherine Emery Walbert Walker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, community leader and devoted Oklahoman, passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born Katherine Emery Walbert on November 6, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Kathy was a fifth-generation Oklahoman whose life reflected deep roots, enduring faith, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Though raised in Southern California, Oklahoma always remained home to her heart.

The daughter of Jonathan Winston Walbert and Rosemary Kneeland Walbert Scalpone, Kathy inherited rich Oklahoma and Cherokee heritage, along with a deep sense of civic responsibility that would guide her throughout her life. She attended Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, California, before returning to Oklahoma to attend the University of Oklahoma. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1968. Kathy was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta's Alpha Omicron Chapter, where she formed lifelong friendships and connections which she cherished for decades. During her college years, she earned the nickname "Honolulu Lulu," which was eventually shortened to "Lulu," the affectionate name by which her grandchildren would know and love her. On March 18, 1972, she married Russell James Walker at Nichols Hills Methodist Church.

Faith anchored Kathy's life. A devoted member of Nichols Hills United Methodist Church for more than fifty years, she married, worshiped, and faithfully served there. She taught Sunday School, chaired committees, served on and led the Altar Guild, participated in the Covenant Discipleship Group and KIVA Sunday School Class, and was a founding member of both the Welcome and Connect Team and the Women's Book Club. She devoted herself to the Care Committee, co-chaired Nichols Hills United Methodist Church's 75th anniversary celebration, and traveled to Africa with a Volunteers in Mission team.

Kathy's lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community leadership began early and touched countless organizations throughout Oklahoma City and beyond. She served on the Oklahoma City Ballet Board from 1974–1990, including as president from 1979–1980, and for many years continued to support the organization through advisory leadership. As one of the early board members of the Oklahoma Arts Institute, she helped bring distinguished visiting faculty to Quartz Mountain.

Kathy also devoted her time and talents to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Casady School Mothers' Club, and the OU Breast Health Institute. She served on the board of the Redbud Classic and was a founding member of Planet Nichols Hills. She was an active member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University Societies, Tuesday Review, Wednesday Study Club, Winter Ball Committee, the National Awards Committee of American Mothers, and the Kappa Alpha Theta Alpha Omicron Alumnae Chapter. In 1993, she co-chaired the chapter's Flaming Festival and remained deeply committed to its scholarship mission.

From May 2003–May 2009, Kathy served on the Nichols Hills City Council, with two years as Mayor. During her tenure, she instituted and designed the Environmental Health and Sustainability Commission, which still exists today. She also served as vice chairman of the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Board of Directors.

Her gifts for leadership, communication, and connection were widely recognized. She wrote beautifully, spoke thoughtfully, and had a remarkable ability to inspire others toward service. As a result, Kathy was recognized by many organizations over the years. In 2009, Kathy was honored by Oklahoma City University Societies with its Awards of Excellence and was named Oklahoma Mother of the Year by American Mothers in 2012. She also received the 2012–2013 Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Junior League of Oklahoma City.

From 2023–2025, Kathy served as president of the Oklahoma chapter of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). During her tenure, she championed innovative historical education initiatives, including a project that opened Oklahoma's Capitol to hundreds of fifth-grade students through immersive colonial reenactments and later reached thousands more through digital programming. The project earned national recognition and first-place honors for its creativity and impact at the Annual Meeting of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.

Yet those closest to her knew that her proudest role was never found in titles or awards, but in the family and friendships she cherished so deeply. She was a founding member of the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl hosted in Kite Park for more than 30 years, proudly served as mascot for the cancer survivor rowing team at the Oklahoma City Boathouse, and was a member of her book club for ten years and her walking group for more than forty years. But her happiest moments were always around a dinner table with her family and friends. Whether it was a dinner for two or fifty, lovingly served two hours late and two dishes short, she was the ultimate hostess, welcoming new and longtime friends around the table.

As if she did not have enough to do with her charity work and hostessing, Lulu was the proud founder of Lulu's Loot, her version of a French bric-à-brac. Her love affair with France began early in her marriage and blossomed into a lifelong passion. She embraced the country's culture, traditions, and way of life and returned regularly with family and friends for more than forty years. In the early 2000s, she and her husband owned a home in the Charente department, where some of her happiest memories were made. Lulu treasured afternoons spent in the garden of their home in Mainxe, sharing a glass of Pineau des Charentes, enjoying provisions from the local market, and creating lasting memories with the family and friends she loved most.

Above all, Lulu treasured her family.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Russell James Walker; her children, Katherine Buxton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Elizabeth Conroy and her husband, Steve, of McLean, Virginia; Rosemary Greene and her husband, Mike, of Dallas, Texas; and Russell Walker Jr. and his wife, Kaleigh, of Dallas, Texas. Her grandchildren include Kneely and Gracie Buxton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Emery and Steven Conroy of McLean, Virginia; and Hudson Walker of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her first cousin, Thomas W. Walbert, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lulu leaves behind her beloved dog, Elvis Presley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jonathan Winston Walbert and Rosemary Kneeland Walbert Scalpone, and her brother, Jonathan Winston Walbert, Jr.

Kathy lived a life of purpose, grace, and generosity. She led thoughtfully, served faithfully, and loved deeply. Her presence strengthened the institutions she served, enriched the lives of her friends and family, and continues to leave a lasting mark on the Oklahoma community that she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with family visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City. A funeral service celebrating Kathy “Lulu” Walker's life will be held Friday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, with a reception immediately following at the church. A family burial will take place Saturday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Fairlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Oklahoma City Ballet, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Kappa Alpha Theta Alpha Omicron Alumnae Chapter, or the Nichols Hills United Methodist Church Care Committee.