Obituary of Lois Walker Olson

Lois Walker Olson, age 79, of Knollwood Drive, Boone, died Tuesday morning, December 27, 2011 at her home. Lois Jean Walker was born January 8, 1932 in Highland, Indiana, to Fred Raymond and Ruth Tomlonson Walker. She was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Lois was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who leaves behind a great legacy of love for family and friends. As a cancer survivor, Lois led a life of selfless service. She loved the Lord, and did her best to serve Him and others by supporting family, serving as a Hospice volunteer and supporting Relay for Life. She loved travel and touring the U.S. and Japan with her husband and family during his 22 year military career. To relax, she found pleasure in quilting, gardening and golf. Mrs. Olson is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Olson Gaffin and husband, Jeff, of Issaquah, Washington and her son, Scott Olson of Gastonia; four grandsons, Matthew and Keith Gaffin of Issaquah, Washington and Liam and Abram Olson of Gastonia; her brother, Richard Walker and wife Margy,and of Madison, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Joan Thompson and husband Fred of Louisville, Kentucky; and her little dog and constant companion, Megan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Lt. Col. Thomas Andrew Olson (Ret.), brother, Robert Walker and sister, Joyce Walker. Memorial services will be conducted Friday morning, December 30, 2011, at 11 o'clock at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Bud Russell and Rev. Kanoot Midkiff. The family will receive friends following services, at Mount Vernon. Burial will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607 or the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, in care of Kathy Idol, 8821 Hwy 421 South, Deep Gap, NC 28618. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Olson family.