Betty Jean McWilliams Walker, 83, of Virginia Beach, VA passed from this life on March 19, 2018.  She was born in Norfolk, VA to the late Steve L. McWilliams, Sr. and Blanche Eleanor Gates McWilliams; sister to the late Steve L. McWilliams, Jr.  Betty Jean attended Maury High School in Norfolk, VA and Barnard College in New York City, NY.  She left college to marry and start a family. Betty Jean was a classical ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher, who loved the performing arts.  As a young woman, she was selected to perform in the American Ballet Theater Summer Dance Program in New York City.  Betty Jean was the artistic director of the Virginia Beach Conservatory of Arts and taught ballet for over 60 years.   She was an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader and had a great love for animals and crossword puzzles.

Betty Jean is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lonsdale Wirt Walker, Sr.; daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Roger Heffington; sons and daughters-in-law, Lonsdale Wirt Walker, Jr. and wife Heather, and David Lee Walker and wife Christy; 10 granddaughters; 7 grandsons; 3 great grandchildren; and two cousins, Kathy Schroeder and Pat Denlinger.  Her family was dear and precious to her.  Betty Jean was greatly loved by all who knew her and she will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 9702 Gayton Rd. No. 110, Richmond, VA 23238; National Emphysema Foundation, 128 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851; Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453; or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com