This article was taken from The Hartwell Sun's  January 30, 2003,  series on Hart's 150 Year Heritage Celebration.

In so far as 'significant,' Madora Walker would have told you she was not. Many people would differ with that humility by way of their comments as to her impact upon their educational endeavors. Madora, as an elementary school teacher ( primarily first and second grades), had a far-reaching influence on hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students during her 30 years in the classroom. As a first grade teacher, she helped provide the cornerstone for their future education, teaching young minds with a strong but loving, demeanor. Her significant contribution to Hart County was through her efforts to impart the tools of learning to the many young people she taught through the years. Madora spent the majority of her teaching years in the Hart County school system - Eagle Grove, Reed Creek, and Hartwell Elementary with a brief period in Commerce.

Her interests in nature and the outdoors also helped inspire friends and colleagues to form the garden clubs of Hartwell, one of which was named for her. She considered the naming of the Madora Garden Club for her to be one of the greatest honors of her life. Madora, always the teacher, taught Sunday School at Hartwell First Methodist Church for many years - a manifestation of her strong belief in God, which she loved to share with everyone.

Born Madora Bradley Skelton on September 1, 1909, she was the daughter of Steve an Caroline Skelton of Hartwell. Madora graduated from Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C., served in the U.S. Marine Corps during W.W.II and married Marshall Borden Walker of North Carolina. She, along with her husband, also operated a nursery and landscaping business for many years.

After retiring from teaching, she remained active until her health would not permit. Madora left this world in March of 2000, but left a legacy of putting "her kids," as she referred to her students, on a path of learning for the rest of their lives.