Our angel on earth became our angel in heaven on June 11, 2026, surrounded by love. She took her last breath at 10:58 p.m. in the company of both of her daughters, Lorna and Corrina, and her oldest grandson, James. We took comfort in realizing her time of death was her late husband’s birth month and year.

Goldina was born on March 8, 1952, to Harold and Lorna Darnell in Bossier City, Louisiana. Her father was a mechanic for Air Force One, the aircraft that carried President John F. Kennedy. During her early years, she traveled with her family to many places, including Kansas, England, Germany, and California before eventually moving to Grand Junction.

She married David Gifford in June 1970, and together they welcomed their son, Michael David Gifford, on August 14, 1971.

She later married Wade Edwin Joe Walker on November 8, 1976. Together they had two daughters: Lorna Marie, born October 19, 1976, and Corrina Mae, born August 21, 1981.

Goldina is survived by her son, Michael (Jolene) Gifford; daughter Lorna (Hank) Frenze; and daughter Corrina (Robert) Kuipers. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Kristen Lake, James (Amber) Johnson, Christopher (Theresa) Gifford, Tyler Lake, Lane (Joslyn) Frenze, LaKara (Dylan) Kuipers, Dakota Gifford, and Kyla Frenze.

She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Gage, Aria, Kaisley, Colt, Wyatt, Jace, Carter, Forest, Slader, Kayden, and Paisley, along with many others who lovingly called her Mom or Grandma.

Goldina is also survived by her sister, Katrina (Lynn) Thompson, and brothers Melvin (Laura) Darnell, Bryan (Stacy) Darnell, Daniel Darnell, Mark Darnell, and Vincent (Rhonda) Darnell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Lorna Darnell; her husband, Wade Walker; her brother, Wesley Darnell; and her sister, Christina Sours.

In March 2025, Goldina was diagnosed with appendiceal adenocarcinoma after her appendix ruptured and was removed. She underwent chemotherapy from May through August 2025. When treatment began to significantly impact her quality of life, she made the difficult decision to stop. It was later discovered that the cancer had spread, and after fighting with incredible strength, her body could no longer continue the battle.

Goldina retired in 2014 from City Market⁠, later taking on a part-time job at Parlor Games⁠.

She made lifelong friends—family, really—wherever she went. She was kind to the core of her being.

She loved her family most of all, including all of her cats, and even the skunks, raccoons, foxes, and every other creature that showed up. She found joy in tending her whimsical gardens, thrift shopping for trinkets and unique treasures, reading her books, and listening to music. We often found her singing and dancing to melodies she created in her own head.

Her favorite gifts to give were handmade and created with love.

Goldina’s love, warmth, and spirit will live on in all who knew her.

She will forever remain in our hearts.