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07235 April 20, 2007
Presbyterian philanthropist Helen Walton dies
Widow of Wal-Mart founder blazed many trails in PC(USA)
by Jerry Van Marter
LOUISVILLE - Helen Robson Walton, widow of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and a trail-blazing Presbyterian woman, died April 26 at her home n Bentonville, AR. She was 87.
Born Dec. 13, 1919 in Claremore, OK, Walton was a Presbyterian all her life. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in finance. She married Sam Walton on Valentine's Day 1943. Sam died in 1992 at the age of 74.
The couple moved to Arkansas after the war, where Sam began his career in retailing and the two became active members at First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville. They opened their first Wal-Mart store in 1962.
Forbes magazine last year listed Helen Walton as the 29th richest individual in the world, with net worth of nearly $17 billion.
Helen and Sam were known for their generous philanthropy. Their charitable efforts focused on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), education, the arts and families and children.
Through the Walton Family Foundation, they funded countless scholarships local students, the children of Wal-Mart employees and international students from Central America.
Among their PC(USA)-related activities were support for the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR, and the Sam and Helen Walton Awards, established in 1990 and given each year to outstanding new church developments. They were also strong supporters of Presbyterian Women, in which Helen served in leadership positions at all levels of the PC(USA).
In 1994, Helen contributed $250,000 for the completion of the chapel at the Presbyterian Center here. The other half of the needed funds were raised by Korean Presbyterians.
"Helen was an extremely committed woman, committed to her church," said the Rev. Bill Henning, former executive presbyter for Arkansas Presbytery. "She knew everybody in the presbytery and could call anyone she wanted or needed to."
Helen Walton was the first woman moderator of Arkansas Presbytery, the first vice-chair of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation and was the first life member of the Board of Trustees of the University of the Ozarks, which she also chaired.
Helen Walton is survived by sons Rob and Jim; a daughter, Alice; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Another son, John, was killed in 2005 at age 58 when a homemade experimental airplane he was flying crashed in Wyoming.
A memorial service for Helen Walton will be held April 23 at First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, AR.
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