Kellie Walker

Kellie Michelle Asberry Walker was the executive director of the Children’s Center of the Cumberlands, the founder of Kip’s Kloset, and the owner of The Beautique in Oneida. She died from a rare form of cancer on January 21, 2023, at the age of 38.

Early & Personal Life

Walker grew up in Scott County and graduated from Scott High School. She later graduated from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn. with a master’s degree.

In 2016, she married Dustin Walker. They had three children: Shelbie Caroline Walker, Vera Grace Walker, and Kip McCoy Walker.

Following the death of son Kip, she founded Kip’s Kloset to provide clothes for children in transition or need.

Role at the Children’s Center

Walker began working at the Children’s Center of the Cumberlands in 2009, and was named its executive director in 2012.

During her tenure at the Children’s Center, Walker was credited with a guiding vision that included the establishment of transitional housing for any child awaiting a more permanent placement in DCS custody, which came to light in 2015 with the establishment of “Haven of Help & Hope.” In the Summer of 2017, the Children’s Center launched Project 5000 to provide easily-accessible meals and milk and bread to children and families in Scott County. Soon thereafter, the Children’s Center welcomed Lucia, the first facility dog in an East Tennessee child advocacy center.

One of Walker’s last visions was to establish a youth mentoring program to provide positive role models for youth that need a little extra attention and encouragement. She strengthened many of the relationships with the working partners of the Children’s Center through co-location opportunities with the Department of Children’s Services, local law enforcement, and the Elgin Foundation.

Cancer Battle

Walker’s battle with a rare form of sarcoma became an inspiration to many Scott Countians. She learned of her cancer diagnosis shortly following the death of her son, Kip. She continued to work at the Children’s Center despite several surgeries and hospital stays. When the Scott County Chamber of Commerce organized a fundraiser on her behalf, as well as another Chamber member who was simultaneously battling cancer, Walker insisted that her half of the proceeds go to the other beneficiary. In 2020, she was hospitalized when she learned that a Soul Sisters, an Oneida business, was hosting an auction to raise funds for the Children’s Center’s Angel Trees program. She called from her hospital bed to have pizzas delivered to the auction studio so that the volunteers would be fed.

Walker announced on Christmas Day, 2022, that her battle with cancer was nearing an end, and withdrew from public life. She died on January 21, 2023.