City of Arlington Remembers Trailblazer Martha Walker

Published on October 07, 2025

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Today, the City of Arlington pauses to remember Martha Walker, a trailblazer who loved traveling, serving her community and preserving its rich history.

Mrs. Walker, who was the first woman elected to Arlington City Council and also the co-founder of the Fielder Museum, passed away on Sept. 20, 2025. She was 91.

Arlington became Mrs. Walker’s home in 1960 after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Oklahoma. She was the first student in the Institute of Urban Studies at Arlington State College (now known as The University of Texas of Arlington), where she earned a master’s degree in political science.

Mrs. Walker was first elected to the Arlington City Council in 1972 and would serve in that role for a decade. She was selflessly involved in numerous projects, from helping plan Arlington’s popular and patriotic Fourth of July celebration to volunteering for various church, school, nonprofit and Chamber of Commerce activities.  She also worked with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, served eight years on the John Peter Smith Hospital Board of Managers, and enjoying traveling to destinations around the world and meeting with friends for the Monday Night Bridge Club That Meets on Wednesdays. 

Mrs. Walker’s accomplishments are chronicled in books such as “Legendary Locals of Arlington” by Lea Worcester and Evelyn Barker, and “Politics of Arlington Texas” by Allan Saxe. Her many accolades include being named Arlington Citizen of the Year, receiving the Legacy of Women Award from SafeHaven of Tarrant County and recognition from the Arlington Historical Society. The City of Arlington also recognized her lasting contributions by dedicating Martha Walker Park at 7509 Sharon Lee Drive in Southwest Arlington.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Arlington Womans Club, 1515 W. Abram St.