Willie “Tiny” Kate McCubbins Walkup of Statesville, N.C., passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on April 18, 1929, in Cleveland, Tiny was a cherished member of the community and a devoted member of Bethlehem Methodist Church in Statesville. She graduated from Cleveland High School, marking the beginning of a life filled with dedication and service.

In 1983, Tiny was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Junior Walkup. She was also preceded in death by her son, Patrick Nathan Walkup; her father, Archie McCubbins; her mother, Nora McLaughlin McCubbins; her brother, Herbert McCubbins; and her sisters, Helen Lyerly, Edith Cauble, Mary Emma Fleming, and Allene Cartner.

She is survived by her son, Michael Joseph Walkup and his wife Laura of Hickory; her daughter, Brenda Louise Harris and her husband Gary of Statesville; her sister, Nell Thompson of Salisbury; her grandchildren, Jacob Harris, Matthew Harris, Austin Harris, and Harlie Gilmer; and her great-grandchildren, Vera, Lenny, Layla, and Connor.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 12 noon at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, located at 705 Davie Avenue, Statesville. Mrs. Walkup’s funeral service will begin at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Matt Nichols officiating.

Interment will follow at Third Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 2055 Third Creek Church Road, Cleveland, N.C.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Methodist Church, 607 Bethlehem Road, Statesville, North Carolina, 28677.

Condolences may be sent to the family, online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Walkup and her family.