Darenda Ann Walker, 70, of Holly Lake Ranch, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Quitman, Texas.

She was born on February 7, 1956, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Bruce Garner and Berniece (Mahaffey) Garner. While attending Riviera Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon, Darenda met the love of her life, Gary Walker. They married there on April 1, 1975. Together, they built a life filled with shared travels, countless memories, and the simple pleasure of time spent together.

Darenda was a gifted and compassionate caregiver and dedicated more than four decades to neonatal medicine. From 1980 to 1999, she served as a Neonatal Nurse, offering comfort and expertise to families during their most vulnerable moments. In 1999, she earned her master’s degree and became a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner until her retirement in 2024. Her career took her and Gary across the United States, from Lubbock, Tyler, Galveston, Oregon, and Idaho, where she touched lives with exceptional care.

After retiring, she poured her time and energy into the Holly Lake Dog Shelter, where she volunteered faithfully and advocated for animals in need. She was also an active member of the Holly Lake Pickleball Club and several professional nursing associations.

She is preceded by her parents Bruce and Berniece Garner, and her brother, Ron Garner.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 51 years, Gary Walker of Holly Lake Ranch; her cherished four‑legged companions, Brodie and Russell; her brother, Bruce L. Garner Jr. of Austin; niece and nephew Cam and Belyn Garner; great-niece Brianna; and three great‑great nieces, all of whom she loved deeply.