Gloria Yetman Walker

Gloria Yetman Walker passed away peacefully at her home on March 9, 2019. Known affectionately by her sisters as “Butch,” Gloria was born on April 24, 1930 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Homer and Gladys Yetman. The youngest of three sisters, they made their home in White Plains, New York. After graduating high school, it was a train that brought Gloria home to attend The University of Oklahoma. At OU, Gloria competed in Tennis while pursuing a degree in Physical Education.

After completing her degree, she began her early career as an educator at Casady School, a place that would impact her professional and personal life for the remainder of her life. As a faculty member, Gloria was instrumental in developing the woman’s athletic department by introducing varsity field hockey and softball. Her influence not only raised the bar for physical education among women at Casady, but helped enhance the young athletic program for all students. It was also during her early days at Casady that she met and fell in love with fellow teacher, William “Bill” Walker. The pair were the first couple to be wed in the newly constructed St. Edward’s Chapel in 1954. Gloria watched her children and grandchildren attend Casady, while residing in the same home in the Village she and Bill began their life together over 60 years prior.

Gloria’s passions included painting, gardening, repurposing furniture and OU football. Her true joy though was sparked by her children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Most recently, Gloria spent over 20 years as the Director of the Nichols Hills Children’s Day Out program where she played a fundamental role in the early lives of thousands of children and their families in central Oklahoma City.

Gloria was known for her quick wit, her unique love of colorful socks and her natural aptitude to “Have a good time and give a good time.” Any guest of Gloria’s could not leave her home without hearing her call from another room, “Remember to be sweet.” She was a treasure not only to her family, but to the many people who have called her daughter, sister, mother, “Mammasita,” “Butch,” and “Mamaw.”

Predeceasing Gloria are her parents, Homer and Gladys Yetman, her husband, Bill Walker, sisters, Betty Warns and Sally Shakeshaft, and sons Michael and James Andrew Walker.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Morgan and Susie Cassidy (Brandt), two grandchildren, Mathew Burkholder (Hillary) and Chelsea Hurt (Micah) and one great-grandchild, Benjamin Walker Burkholder.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Edward’s Chapel at Casady School on March 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. At the family’s request, please wear a touch of green and wear interesting and/or humorous socks to honor Gloria’s unique style and favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casady School at www.casady.org.