Our beloved Amy P. Walker passed away on April 3, 2022, at the age of 50.
Amy was born on Feb. 7, 1972 in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England to parents Mike and Jackie Walker, becoming little sister to brother Mick.
At the age of 18, she moved to Asheville, NC to attend UNC-Asheville, graduating in 1994. In 1995, she took a job at the Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City, NC.
Here, she met a diverse and vibrant group of people with whom she would form deep and lasting bonds. Her many dedicated friends are a testament to her loyalty, her kindness and her side-splitting wit.
After NOC, she went to work at Western Carolina University in the IT department, and during her ten years there achieved her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and embarked on a free-lance career, working for a number of clients, becoming a regular contributing writer for Lake Junaluska Assembly, where she adored her job and coworkers.
In the Fall of 1995, an opportunity to house sit brought her for the first time to Hipsher Cove, overlooking the Little Tennessee River, at its confluence with Fontana Lake. It was here she met her life partner, Tim Mason (they married in 2001) and where they would establish their decades-long home together.
Her daily meditation and exercise included hiking the steep hills behind her house, working on writing projects in her studio, and loving the many dogs and cats who came in and out of their lives. Her presence and connection to the cove will be forever enshrined in its trails, flora and fauna.
Like many who we know and love, Amy lived with the challenges of cancer. But, she refused to let it dim her spirits or her compassion for others.
She relished her privacy, and perhaps in that, found the strength to continue to live fully, always a cheerful and supportive companion, and a source of comfort to others close to her, in their times of need.
She truly cherished her family and friends, and she brightened all our lives.
She is survived by her husband Tim Mason, parents Mike and Jackie Walker, and brother Mick.
Uncle Jim Creel (partner Nancy) cousins Heather, Allison (Jen) and Gavin.
Aunt Betsy Keen, cousins Ben, Bevin (Chris), Bo.
Uncle Bill Creel (Sherry), cousins Kim Fultz (Mark), AJ Colavecchio
In her memory, the family would like to encourage donations to one of her favorite organizations:
PAWS in Bryson City, NC
PO BOX 1814 Bryson City, NC 28713
http://www.pawsbrysoncity.org/donate.html