Mary Elaine Walton, 87, of Whitehall, formerly of Decatur, Ill., died Aug. 14, 2019, in Fellowship Community, Whitehall.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Harold K. Walton.

Born Aug. 18, 1931, in rural Blue Mound, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Earl and Pearl (Mouche) Gorden.

At age 13, she was the organist at Blue Mound Christian Church in Blue Mound, until she graduated high school.

Very active in high school and college music activities, she graduated as valedictorian from Blue Mound High School in 1949.

She attended Illinois State Normal University and taught in the Taylorville and Blue Mound school districts.

She later spent 27 years as a substitute teacher’s aide, working with severe and profound/special needs students in the Decatur Public Schools and at Sunnyside School.

She was a member of Central Christian Church, Decatur, and a life member of the Illinois Congress of the PTA.

Her survivors include daughters Linda Theurer (Philip) of Mechanicsville, Va., Diane Richter (Kevin) of Schnecksville; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown, Ill.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.

Local arrangements made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.