Melinda "Mindi" Walker

Melinda (Mindi) Walker, 74, of Blacksburg, Va., passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Washington, DC, Mindi grew up in Northern Virginia. She went to Emory & Henry College, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974, and later earning her Master of Arts in Education from Virginia Tech in 1992. Mindi is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Andrew; much loved sons Matt (Jen), Drew (Emily), Mike (Lindsay), and Chris (Danielle), whom she always lovingly supported and advocated for; and as Nana her adored grandchildren Beckett, Rae, Axel, and Gemma; and cherished sisters Laurie Craft (Nick), Joan Krauss (Tony), and Marti Craft. She is predeceased by her parents Al and Bobbe Craft and siblings Jim Craft (Harriett) and Carol Craft. An exceptional teacher for more than 25 years, the majority of her career was in Montgomery County at Price’s Fork Elementary School where she served as a mentor to many other teachers. Mindi embraced the idea that teaching at Prices Fork was more than teaching—it was being part of the community. She is remembered as “that teacher” whom children and families enjoyed as much as she enjoyed them. She made learning fun, especially her time teaching kindergarten, preparing the children for a lifetime of learning. She also relished teaching 4th grade and making Virginia history come to life for her students. Her colleagues will remember her as caring, supportive, insightful, willing to try new ideas, and knowledgeable. Mindi was a recipient of the school’s Art Chair, which was voted on and created by a team of fifth graders. She was also honored in 1996 by the local chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional teachers’ organization, with the Innovative Teacher Award, which recognized Mindi’s tremendous impact on future teachers. Continuing her commitment to education even in retirement, Mindi served on the Board of Valley Interfaith Child Care Center. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry. She was active at Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry, as chair of the Stewardship Committee, and as a Sunday School Teacher. Mindi was an enthusiastic quilter, leading a group of quilters at Price’s Fork who made and presented a quilt to honor the arrival of each teacher’s baby. In addition, she was a member of the Easy Piecers, a quilting group, for 30 years. Mindi also enjoyed traveling, visiting Costa Rica with the whole family, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Norway, and Italy in recent years. Soccer was a big part of Walker family life. From managing teams, running summer caps, and following her boys in their travel, high school, and college soccer careers, she was their Number 1 fan. Mindi was liked by everyone she met…except perhaps the occasional soccer referee. Mindi’s funeral will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 120 Church Street, Blacksburg, on Saturday, October 10, at 10:00 AM. Instead of flowers, you’re invited to make a meaningful contribution in her name. You can celebrate the spirit of Mindi Walker and honor her memory through the Mindi Walker Memorial Endowment for Education, a fund within the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Checks can be made payable to CFNRV and mailed to P.O. Box 6009, Christiansburg, VA 24068-6009—please write "Mindi Walker Memorial" in the memo line. Alternatively, donations can be made online at cfnrv.org