Emily H. Walker

Emily Houghton Walker, 95, originally of Woodstown, New Jersey, passed away on August 26, 2026. Born on April 29, 1931, Emily lived a long and accomplished life on her own terms—filled with family, friendship, and a hell of a lot of fun along the way. Emily grew up in Woodstown and was raised by her mother, Hazel Houghton. Sadly, her father, George, an interior designer and painter, died of cancer when Emily was just six years old. Losing her father at such a young age shaped her approach to life and contributed to the independent spirit with which she chose to live it. Her beloved Aunt Emily Gahrs also played an important role in helping to raise her and remained a significant presence throughout her life. Emily attended Woodstown High School, where she was a majorette in the marching band. She was also proudly known for having been voted the “Neatest Girl in the Class,” an honor she often reminded her family of over the years. She went on to earn a degree from Goldey-Beacom College in bookkeeping and organizational management and held a variety of professional roles throughout her career. Among them, she worked in Haddonfield, New Jersey, managing the office for the prominent Otolaryngology Associates and handling the bookkeeping for Walker’s Shell for more than 15 years. However, some of Emily’s fondest memories were of the many years she spent working at Cowtown Rodeo, where she served as office secretary for the historic rodeo and livestock market. In 1953, shortly after completing her studies, Emily’s aunt met Howard “Stoney” Harris, the second-generation owner of Cowtown, at a local diner. Harris was looking for an office secretary to manage the growing paperwork associated with the expanding livestock market and rodeo, and Emily was hired on the spot. She went on to work in the Cowtown office for decades, helping to manage operations through three generations of the Harris family. Over the years, Emily enjoyed gardening, especially instructing her late husband, Harry, on exactly what to plant and where to plant it! Long before estate sales were trendy, weekends often found her searching for the next treasure to add to her antique collection. She also looked forward to her annual visits to the Philadelphia Flower Show, where her mischievous side often emerged as she and her son Bill took pictures among the displays. Emily had a lifelong fondness for horses and enjoyed caring for her Quarter Horse, “Lady Di,” as well as attending the Devon Horse Show and Radnor Hunt. Her love of travel took her to numerous states and countries, along with annual spring trips to Williamsburg, Virginia, and summers spent in Cape May. Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Walker, and her beloved son, Bill Gallo Jr., a South Jersey journalist, who passed away in 2018. She is survived by her children, Carol Jess (Scott), Larry Chard (Shirley), and Adele Walker Chandler (Neil); her grandchildren, Donna Jess, Karen Jess Avis, Addison Chandler and Mason Chandler; and her great grandchildren Carmen Santiago and Sofia Santiago. Emily will be remembered for her fiercely independent spirit, her mischievous sense of fun, and her ability to strike up a conversation wherever life took her. Whether she was searching for the next antique treasure, directing Harry in the garden, traveling to a new destination, or simply making memories with her family, Emily knew how to live life fully—and on her own terms. She leaves behind countless stories, treasured memories, and a family who will miss her dearly. Services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, 64 Broad Street, Woodstown, NJ 08098. There will be a visitation starting at 10 AM leading to the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment will follow the service at Lawnside Cemetery in Woodstown. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Emily's memory to The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 17 Earlington Avenue, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Please share memories and condolences at www.adamsfuneralhome.org.

Emily H. Walker

April 29, 1931 - August 26, 2026

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Emily H. Walker

April 29, 1931 - August 26, 2026

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