Viola Jean Walton, 87, of Newark passed away on April 16, 2022 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Mt. Vernon.  She was born in Licking County to the late Owen and Lucy (Kean) Bell.

Jean graduated from Granville High School in 1953.  She was past president of Newark Garden Club and Licking County Master Garden Club to name but a few.  She was a gifted artist and her passions were art and floral design.  She was also an avid reader.

She is survived by her sons, Randel (Kathy) Walton and Richard (Deborah) Walton; granddaughter, Riana Veatch; step-granddaughters, Toni (Chad) Conant, Bethany (Brian) Hockenberry and Dana Berg; step-great-grandchildren, Dana Berg family, Connor Conant and Caleb Hockenberry; sister, Lucy "Jeanette" Emerson; sister in spirit, Donna Jean Neil; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Walton, married September 5, 1954 (deceased July 26, 2012); step-mother, Ethel Bell; sister, Delores Zwilling; and step-sister, Marie Sayre.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Licking County Humane Society, Knox County Kindred Hospice and Licking County Aging Meals on Wheels Program.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com .