Latoya Carnick Walker is remembered for her kindness, her big personality and sense of humor and her dedication to caring for the elderly.
Shelby Police said Walker, 40, was shot and killed outside of a home on Bridges Street shortly before midnight on Tuesday, June 18, following an argument with a man.
Johnny William Lockhart III, 52, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon and is being held with no bond at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
Walker was a caregiver at TerraBella Shelby, an assisted living facility on Charles Road.
Jackie Sibley-Newton, executive director, said Walker was employed with the company for over 10 years, and she began working with her when she went to work for TerraBella last October.
"She was an exceptional employee and dearly loved by the residents, especially the memory care residents," Sibley-Newton said. "She had a way with the memory care residents that was extremely special to watch. It was heartwarming to see her meeting them where they are."
She said one day, a sales person came in and told her that Walker had been sitting on the floor with resident and they were pretending to dig.
"She said 'what are you doing?' She said I don't know, we're digging for something, and we're going to dig until we find it," Sibley-Newton said. "She was so gifted at meeting them where they're at. She had a very calming effect on residents who are upset."
She said Walker preferred to work on the memory care hall, but even when she was required to work the assisted living hall and wasn't happy about it, Sibley-Newton said that frustration was never reflected in her work.
"No matter how frustrated she may have been with me or what was going on in her life, that never ever reflected on her residents. She would treat them with the sweetest, kindest spirit. She focused on their care and happiness and well-being. She will be dearly missed," she said.
When Sibley-Newton got a call in the middle of the night informing her that Walker had been shot and killed, she said she immediately called hospice early that morning to arrange for grief counseling for staff.
"We spent a good two hours just in a room with them dealing with our own grief to be able to even get through the day because the loss is really real. Its really felt. It's going to be hard to move on. She is not somebody you can just replace," she said. "It has been devastating."
People posted comments on Enloe Mortuary's guest book page.
Coworkers said they made her feel part of the team. One woman said they quickly became friends at work and shared a love for food with another.
One friend said Walker was one of the funniest people she had ever been around.
"It was never a time she didn't make me smile or laugh. I will miss her so much," the comment said.
She was described as a wonderful person with a beautiful smile who kept the people around her laughing. One person wrote that she had a big personality, but an even bigger heart.
"You will be missed so much by so many people," wrote Barbara Dowell.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Changer's Church. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery.
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