Coline H. Walker

Coline Helvenston Walker (“Fuzzy”) died peacefully in her home on January 22, 2016, from Alzheimer’s disease. Born 4 October, 1925, in Charlotte, NC, Fuzzy was the daughter of Lyman Helvenston of Live Oak, Florida, and Coline Deal of Charlotte, NC. Growing up primarily in Charlotte, she graduated from Central High School in 1943, then briefly attended Queens College. She had a long working career in both television and radio with WBTV in Charlotte, where she served as continuity writer and promotion copywriter. Over her years there she developed her longest-lasting friendships with co-workers. She maintained close relationships with many of them and even returned to Charlotte for a reunion in 2014. During her employment at WBTV she also met several television celebrities, including Jamie Farr of “M.A.S.H.” and Lonnie Anderson of “WKRP Cincinnati.” One of the most thrilling moments of her life, however, was when she met Tom Selleck during the height of “Magnum, P.I.” And she made sure to document this meeting with several photographs of the two of them! “Famous” friends included pianist Loonis McGlohan and CBS News personality Charles Kuralt.
Fuzzy was married twice, once in the 1950s to WBTV producer/director Norman Prevatte, then later to John U. “Jack” Walker, born in Maryland but relocated to Charlotte, from 1974 until his passing in 1977. After her retirement from WBTV and following Walker’s death, she moved to Atlantic Beach in the early 1990s primarily due to her love for the beach and because her good friend Ms. Carson Baillie lived there. Over her many years at the Cloister Condominiums she enjoyed her association with the Longtime Newcomers Club, with her book club group, and with the Selva Marina Country Club. She loved cats and tennis!
Although Fuzzy had no children or siblings, she is survived by stepchildren John U. Walker, Jr. (Mary Altier) of La Selva Beach, California, Charles F. Walker (Zoila Mendoza) of Davis, California, and Marjorie J. Walker (Carlos Nufio) of Seattle, WA. Cousins include Linda Deal Roth (Frank) of Charlotte, NC; Douglas L. Deal of York, SC; Maria Clark of Pineville, NC; David Holloway of Clover, SC; Helen Albright, Cynthia Albright Karst (Ronald), and Layne Searson of Charleston, SC; Brantley W. Helvenston III and Brantley W. Helvenston IV of Live Oak, FL; L. Barry Albright III (Janet Emmick) of Neptune Beach, FL; several additional cousins; and her long-term friend William H. Williams of Live Oak, FL. Gratitude is extended to Mary P. Lahiff for the care and compassion she provided for Fuzzy over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203, http://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.