Verna Lucille Garver Walker was born on April 16 1927, in Union County Illinois, to Jesse Albert Garver and Cuba Mabel St John Garver.
Raised in a religious, close-knit family alongside her sisters, Verna Garver West and Virginia Garver Wallace, Verna grew up with traditional values and the quiet strength seen in many white women housewives of her time.
Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, she had a graceful presence and was known for her composed, confident personality and Aries by zodiac. Though not a public figure herself, Verna’s name became known through her marriage to actor Clint Walker, and later, as the loving mother of Valerie Walker, one of America’s early female aviation pioneers.
Verna’s net worth was estimated at around $1 million, tied to her years beside Clint during his Hollywood 1950s rise.
Childhood and Family Background
Verna’s life began in Union County, Illinois, where her parents raised her in a faith-centered home. Her father, Jesse Albert Garver, and mother, Cuba Mabel St.
John Garver instilled strong values in their daughters. Verna was the youngest of three sisters and developed deep bonds with Vera and Virginia, her lifelong companions.
While not much is known about her education or early activities, she spent her youth in a typical rural American setting during a time when women’s roles were centered on home, family, and community.
Marriage to Clint Walker: Life Behind the Spotlight
Verna married Clint Walker in 1948, before he found fame. At the time, Clint was doing various jobs, including working as a nightclub bouncer.
His big break came with the lead role of Cheyenne Bodie in the popular Cheyenne TV series, which launched him into stardom during the mid-20th-century Hollywood boom.
The couple was both 21 years old when they tied the knot. Verna remained out of the limelight, offering support from the background as Clint’s career soared. During their 20-year marriage, she took on the role of a traditional housewife, a common path for women of that era.
A Trailblazing Daughter: Valerie Walker
Verna and Clint welcomed their only daughter, Valerie Walker, in 1950. While her parents’ marriage ended in 1968, Valerie went on to build a remarkable career of her own. She became one of the first female pilots in the United States, eventually earning the prestigious title of retired airline captain.
Breaking into aviation as a woman in a male-dominated field made Valerie Walker one of the standout female aviation pioneers of her generation. Her son, Cory Patton, carries on the family legacy.
Divorce and Later Life
After her divorce from Clint Walker in 1968, Verna Garver never remarried. She chose a peaceful, private life, away from Hollywood’s glare.
Her former husband, however, went on to marry twice more, first to Giselle Hennesy and then to Susan Cavallari.
Despite being out of the spotlight, Verna stayed connected to her daughter and maintained her values. She focused on family and continued to live a life marked by grace and independence.
Passing and Legacy
Verna Garver died on November 27 2014, at the age of 87. The cause of her death wasn’t made public.
Her passing marked the end of a quiet yet meaningful life, one that supported a rising Hollywood star and helped raise a daughter who broke barriers for women in aviation.
For more information, you can explore public records or historical biographies focused on families behind mid-century American icons.
FAQs
1. Who was Verna Garver?
She was the first wife of actor Clint Walker and the mother of Valerie Walker, a pioneering female pilot.
2. Where was Verna Garver born?
She was born in Union County, Illinois, on April 16, 1927.
3. Did Verna Garver have any siblings?
Yes, she had two sisters: Vera Garver West and Virginia Garver Wallace.
4. What was her relationship with Clint Walker?
Verna was Clint Walker’s wife from 1948 to 1968, during his rise in the Hollywood 1950s scene.
5. Did Verna Garver ever remarry?
No, she never remarried after her divorce from Clint Walker.
6. Who is Valerie Walker?
Valerie is Verna’s daughter and a retired airline captain, known as one of the early female aviation pioneers.
7. What is known about Verna Garver’s career?
There is no documented professional career for Verna; she likely took on the role of a traditional homemaker.
8. What was Verna Garver’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth was about $1 million, likely linked to her marriage and property assets.
9. When did Verna Garver die?
She died on November 27, 2014, at 87 years old.
10. Who are Verna Garver’s descendants?
Her daughter is Valerie Walker, and her grandson Cory Patton.
Conclusion
Though she never sought fame, Verna Garver’s story is deeply tied to American history from her marriage to Clint Walker and the booming days of mid-20th-century Hollywood, to raising one of the most respected female pilots of her time.
Her life represents the unsung strength of many women of her generation: supportive, resilient, and quietly powerful. At Style Glom, we honor stories like Verna’s, reminding us that true impact often begins behind the scenes.