Stacy Lynn Walker (Berry), of Olathe, KS, left this earth too soon. Beautiful and kind, with a warm smile and sparkling blue eyes, Stacy was the epitome of grace, faith, love and optimism throughout her life and especially during her hard fought battle with colon cancer. She passed away at home surrounded by family on August 30, 2017, at the age of 46.
Born on May 24, 1971 in Kansas City, MO to Danny and Chris Berry, Stacy grew up in Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas with younger brother, Brent, as part of a large, fun-loving, 4th generation KC family. A graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School, Stacy attended Johnson County Community College and The University of Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Children’s Literature from KU.
The stars aligned when Stacy met Mark Walker in a college economics class. And as the story goes, she beat him to the punch by asking him out first. She later said it was love at first sight, she just knew he was the one. And within a couple of weeks, Mark told his friends he’d definitely met his future bride. They were married on September 17, 1994, at Overland Park Christian Church in Overland Park, KS. Three years later, on the 4th of July, Ryan Mitchell was born, followed by younger brother Taylor Lee on June 19, 2000. Pure joy! Their sweet, little family was complete.
Stacy’s “boys” were the light of her life and though she was outnumbered at home, she remained a force to be reckoned with. Protective, encouraging, spirited and fun, but most of all, beaming with love for her family. As one friend put it, “the love they share is contagious and just being in their presence puts a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I always loved the way they love each other. A one-of-a-kind love.”
Undoubtedly it was Stacy’s positive attitude, spunk and ability to connect with people that led her to a successful career in recruiting and human resources at Excel Staffing, Garmin and Black & Veatch. According to co-workers, Stacy always said hello with a warm hug and smiling eyes and listened with her whole heart. She was a role model, mentor and sometimes cheerleader, especially during her college recruiting days at Garmin. Stacy was the sunshine in every room she walked into always saying, “It’s all good…” no matter the situation.
With a zest for life and adventure, Stacy never met a stranger, and friends, more often than not, became family. She had a genuine knack for welcoming those who may have felt overlooked. She enjoyed travel, photography, music, writing, cooking, just about anything Ryan and Taylor were involved in, and simply hanging out with family and friends. A self-described foodie, she collected cookbooks and loved experimenting with new recipes and unusual ingredients. Road trips with her boys to check out all the best diners, drive-ins and dives, vineyard tours and tastings with the “Wine Divas”, weekend lake excursions, concerts with kids in tow, beach getaways in the Caribbean, family cruises, top-down car rides and her time abroad in Europe are all cherished memories of a life well lived.
Stacy was a bright light. We will remember her easy laugh, palpable joy and twinkling blue eyes. Her mom, Chris, shared recently that Stacy used to talk about flying in her dreams. No doubt she is flying now, released from her pain and suffering. But as her pain ends, ours begins. Left to mourn her passing are her loving husband, Mark Walker and cherished sons, Ryan and Taylor, Olathe, KS; parents, Danny and Chris Berry, Lenexa, KS; brother Brent Berry, Taos, NM; maternal grandmother, Barbara Anderson, Lenexa, KS; paternal grandparents, Ken and Raelene Berry, Olathe, KS; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. Stacy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Harold Keay; brother-in-law, Michael Dorris; and mother-in-law, Carol Walker.
Stacy’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to all of the friends, neighbors and co-workers who walked with Stacy throughout her life and also on this difficult journey. You’ve been the glue that held us together and Stacy loved each and every one of you more than you will ever know. Special thanks to the treatment team at KU Medical Center, who never gave up hope, to Catholic Community Hospice for the tender care provided during Stacy’s final days and to the Olathe East, Heatherstone and Black & Veatch communities for their unending love and support.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS in the Wesley Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of Stacy’s life at 3:30.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Community Hospice, Catholic Charities of Northeast KS, 9740 W. 87th Street Parkway, Overland Park, KS or to a College Fund being set up for Stacy’s boys, c/o Mark Walker, 12201 S. Shannan Lane, Olathe, KS 66062.
“Do not be anxious about anything,
But in every situation,
Through prayer and petition,
With thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Really nice tribute. It sums up what Stacy was all about. I looked forward to the Garmin visits to MU. So much fun. She called me the king of connections. Stacy, you will be so missed. Thanks for being a part of my life.
I’m so honoured that I met her and the whole family. You have showed me so much love I have never experienced before. Thank you Stacy. Thank you Berry & Walker family. There is heavenly spark of light. Blessings. My heart is with you.
Berry/Walker Family. I was surely blessed to be Stacy’s coworker and friend. I think back about the time we spent together at work and our power shopping sprees over lunch…..we spent a lot of time laughing, too. Stacy was creative and fun. Every year she would come to my house to join in the Christmas Cookie Exchanges and every year my mother in law would ask me if that “cute little blonde” was coming. She ended every conversation with “love ya, girl” before saying goodbye. Stacy affected all of us in a positive way.
Stacy, I love ya, girl and I will miss you so.
Until we meet again.
Mark and Family; many blessings to you. It was my pleasure to work with Stacy at Black & Veatch. I did consider her our Professional’s champion. I especially appreciated sharing spiritual quotes with Stacy over the past couple of months. You and the boys meant everything to her. She is missed and forever remembered.
Blessed to have known Stacy & to have worked with her on two teams. She will be missed by all. I hope we all honor her by following in her footsteps of being gracious, kind & positive. Our thoughts & prayers go out to her family & many friends.
Wonderful tribute to an amazing lady. Even though our families did not cross paths often, the few times we did, it was evident that Stacy and Mark were a loving couple who enjoyed life to it’s fullest. Our hearts and prayers are with Mark and the boys today and moving forward.
I crossed paths with Stacy a few years ago when she helped me make a job transfer. I rarely meet people who can combine professional courtesy with enthusiasm and warmth. But that was Stacy. I will always remember her.
So sorry for your loss. I knew Stacy from volunteering at Heatherstone years ago and always chatted with her and liked her. Prayers to your family for this tragic loss.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Stacy when Jaiden and Taylor were in Gymboree together when they were babies. She was a warm person who always had a smile on her face and kind words to say. Since my daughter hasn’t been at OE full time, I had no idea she was sick and was shocked to find out yesterday that she passed away. Truly a loss. Sending the family lots of love
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