Obituary: GRACE JENNIFER “JENNY” TATE WALTON

Jennifer Tate “Jenny” Walton, 78, of Ruffin, peacefully passed away at her home on Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

Surviving is her husband Richard ‘Allen’ Walton of the home, and her sister Martha Susan Tate Bell, of Danville, VA.

In a simple Quaker graveside service friends and family will be invited to hold her in the light and to speak of their shared moments, or perhaps just to silently reflect on her place in their life. It will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Tate/Walton Cemetery 113 Ruffin Road in Ruffin, NC. Casual attire is requested.

A native of Danville, VA, she was a daughter of the late Raeburn Calvin and Lillie Susan Lipscomb Tate. She has lived with her husband and beloved pets in Ruffin since 1972. During her long career Jenny held positions as an elementary art teacher in Lee County, Florida, the Elementary Arts Coordinator in the Danville City Schools, an art teacher at Blairs Middle School, Blairs, Va., and finally before retiring in 2002 as a 27 year veteran art teacher at Rockingham Co. High School, Wentworth, NC.

In her aspiration to become a professional potter Jenny apprenticed with Vernon Owens at Jugtown Pottery and perfected her turning skills there. She and her partner, Allen, were owners of Tate/Walton Pottery from 1974 to 2011; were professional potters, and made the widely recognized Rachael’s Blue stoneware at their Ruffin studio.

A lifelong equestrian, Jenny loved her horse, Stella, and rode her as often as possible on the property’s extensive riding trails.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent to Help Incorporated: Center Against Violence, a nonprofit agency that provides emergency and ongoing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and elder maltreatment.

Citty Funeral Home is graciously assisting the Walton family in their hour of grief.

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