Lynda Walters, wife of John Brown University adjunct professor Jim Walters, passed away on Jan. 19. A memorial service was held in the Cathedral of the Ozarks Jan. 21.
Walters went to the hospital on Jan. 5, with pneumonia and a bladder infection, which turned out to be MRSA. Walters had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in January of 1977, causing complications with the pneumonia and MRSA which prevented her from recovering.
She was a 1962 graduate of the University, and after meeting Jim in Dallas the two were married in 1964. The couple returned to the University in 1968, where Jim initially worked in the admissions department.
Jim later began teaching in the biblical studies department and eventually became the divisional chair. He retired in 2003, but continues to teach a few classes in the University’s graduate programs, including an online class.
According to an article in the summer 2007 issue of the Brown Bulletin, the interaction between the couple has “influence[d] generations of students.” Walters’ multiple sclerosis gradually caused her to lose control of her body, eventually requiring the use of a reclining wheelchair. Nevertheless, Jim always kept her involved in community events such as attending University drama productions.
Walters is survived by a sister, two sons and four grandchildren.