NANCY (LOCK) WALKOWIAK

Nancy Jean Walkowiak, 89, of Dayton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Common Spirit Hospital in Chattanooga on August 16, 2026.

Nancy was born on June 3, 1937, in Plymouth, Michigan, to the late Thomas and Inez Lock. In 1986, she and her family moved from Howell, Michigan, to the Dayton area, where she made her home and became a cherished part of the community.

Nancy was a devoted member of Cedar Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church in Georgetown, Tennessee. Her faith was at the heart of her life, and she dearly loved her Lord and Savior. She lived with a remarkable spirit of independence, courage, and determination, never afraid to take life head-on or tackle a challenge. A gifted handyman, Nancy could fix, build, and create with her own hands, always meeting each new project with confidence and a can-do spirit.

She found joy in so many of life's simple and beautiful things. Nancy loved roller skating, quilting, flowers, and spending time outdoors. She had a special love for music and took great delight in watching her hummingbirds. Above all, though, Nancy treasured her family. Her grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart, and the love she gave them will remain a lasting part of their lives and memories.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Inez Lock; her beloved husband, Paul Walkowiak; and her brothers, Douglas, Gary, and Thomas Lock.

She leaves behind her children, Rachelle Walkowiak; Kimberly Caswell and her husband Danny, Gail Rhuland and her husband, Roger; Mary Wilcox and her husband, Dr. Kirk Wilcox; and her son, Brad Walkowiak. She also leaves fifteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, along with countless precious memories shared with family and friends.

Nancy's life was one of faith, strength, creativity, and deep love for the people around her. She will be dearly missed, but her laughter, determination, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at Cedar Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church, 8408 TN-60 Georgetown, TN 37336 on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Randy Barlow and Pastor Tim Cross will officiate. Nancy will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

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