Yoshiko G. Walters

Yoshiko G. Walters of Summerville, South Carolina passed away at her residence Wednesday, February 19, 2014 surrounded by her family, after a long battle with cancer. Yoshiko was born February 10, 1945 in Okinawa, Japan, daughter of Zenko and Matsu Gushiken, two months prior to the invasion of the island of Okinawa during World War II. Miraculously she survived the decimation of her homeland. At age twenty, she met Ronald E. Walters while he was serving in the US Air Force. They were married in Okinawa August 8, 1966. They moved to the United States of America on December 7, 1966, settling in Detroit, Michigan. They were life-long Michigan residents, during which time she improved her English language skills, became a US citizen, and earned her high school diploma, graduating salutatorian of her class. She was later employed at Red Lobster in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she was selected to travel back to Japan as part of the opening team for two new restaurants. Yoshiko also enjoyed bowling, volleyball, baseball, camping, gardening, and golf. Her most beloved activity was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Ron and Yoshiko retired to Summerville, South Carolina in 1999 where they enjoyed the warm climate and learned to salt water fish with their family. They were also active members of the Low Country Miata Club, and league bowlers at Sandpiper Lanes. Yoshiko is survived by her husband Ronald of forty-seven years, three children: Darren (Julie) Walters of Thomasville, North Carolina, Debbie (Monty) Kirkland of Stafford, Virginia, and Sharon (Eddie) Blakeley of N. Charleston, South Carolina, along with seven grandsons: Jody Walters, Garrett Blakeley, Joshua Walters, Chase Kirkland, Zachary Blakeley, Kobe Kirkland, and Carson Kirkland. Yoshiko is also sadly missed by her siblings Mitsuko Chinen, Tokuzan Gushiken, Zensho Gushiken, Zenei Gushiken, and a host of other relatives in Okinawa, Japan. Yoshiko requested a private memorial service at her residence (immediate family only). In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society. Yoshiko was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, loved by all and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.