Iris Walters

WALTERS, IRIS PATRICIA "PATTE" 12/22/2008 1 ---------- text below ---------- died peacefully December 20, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Patte's extraordinary life began April 5th, 1925 in Duncansville, PA as the second child of Ira and Floreine Keller. She was raised in Pennsylvania, moving to Birmingham in 1964 with her husband, Joe, and two young children, Greg and Beth. Patte graduated as a registered nurse from Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in 1947, earned a BS in Education from the University of Montevallo, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was retired from the Birmingham City Schools System and was a past President of the Alabama School Nurses Association. Deeply religious, Patte was a member of Shades Valley Lutheran Church for over 40 years, actively serving on numerous councils and committees. Widely traveled, Patte made friends from the North Pole to New Zealand, visiting every continent except Antarctica. She shared her passion for adventure with her grandchildren, taking each on a special trip to the worldly destination of their choice. One of her grandest trips, at the age of 70, involved backpacking across Europe. Patte's ardent spirit was expressed in all she did. From her opulent fashion choices, her presence at an affair, her moves on the dance floor, to her screaming yellow Mustang convertible, she lived life to its fullest. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Walters and her son, Gregory K. Walters. Interestingly, her death came on the 61st anniversary of her wedding. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Thomas (Randy), and her grandchildren Gregory Grant Thomas of Birmingham, Melissa Dawn Thomas of Columbia SC, and Joseph Tyler Thomas of Birmingham. The Family expresses their gratitude to New Beacon Hospice for their special kindness. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Shades Valley Lutheran Church or The Amelia Center. Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 23rd at Shades Valley Lutheran Church, with funeral to follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Dan Dahl officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.