Ms. Parker was born December 17, 1944 in Gastonia, NC to the late Lionel Jackson and Trannie Marie (Davis) Parker.
She was a loving mother and grandmother, a talented jewelry designer and artist and was instrumental in the conception and operation of the award winning Parker and Company Jewelry and art in Belmont, NC. She was known for her expertise in antiques and her impeccable sense of style and eye for design. Having grown up in a loving family surrounded by music and the visual arts, she developed a love of art and music, especially the Blues, beginning at an early age. She also enjoyed reminiscing about her formative years living in Florida with her parents and sister and the positive impact it had on her life. People were easily drawn to her personality, even as a child. She enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing new places. She was active in high school, serving as a cheerleader from junior high thru high school. She was a school driver and participated in a number of activities. Among others, she modeled for the Belk Company, served as Miss Robinwood Lake and Miss Dallas, North Carolina. She was a graduate of The Carolina School of Broadcasting and the Stone Modeling and Finishing School.
Traveling was a special interest to her as she traveled widely throughout the U. S. and abroad, especially to the countries of Southeast Asia. She worked for W. W. Grainger for a number of years where she excelled in sales receiving accolades for her endeavors.
Ms. Parker cherished family and faith and worked extensively with domestic and international relief faith based organizations for much of her career. She was with Samaritan’s Purse in Boone as the senior executive to the vice-president of the ministry, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Ministries in Charlotte, as well as Sisters of Mercy and Holy Angels in Belmont. Shortly after, she realized her dream of moving to her home in the North Carolina Mountains with her small companion “Beau.”
She loved her family dearly. Each Christmas she will always be remembered for the special effort she put forth into making the Christmas Holiday one in which they would enjoy and always remember.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Reynolds Byrd and Donnie Edna (Moffitt) Davis and her paternal grandparents, Andrew Jackson and Safronia (Patterson) Parker
She leaves behind her son and caregiver, John Wesley Long, III of Bessemer City. A daughter, Donna Maria Long of Nebo; loving sister Donna Dolores Parker and, husband, Tanios “Tony” Fares of Bessemer City; grandchildren: John W. Long, IV, Sarah (Long) Kitfield, Jack Long, Russell Shytles, Parker Spruill, Jacob Spruill and seven great-grandchildren. Cousins Sherry High Simmons (Mike), Judson V. High, Jr., Robin (High) Spargo (Scott) and Tony Silver (Ellen).
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon prior to a celebration of Ms. Parker’s life to be held at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia at 12:00 noon, Thursday, February 2, 2023. Reverend Jeffrey Spargo will preside. Internment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park. Pallbearers are John W. Long, IV, Jack Long, Russell Shytles and Jacob Spruill. Honorary Pallbearers are John W. “Wes” Long III and Tanios "Tony" Fares.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Wendover Hospice in Shelby for their devotion and care for Ms. Parker and her family. Ms. Parker accepted her illness with her usual style and grace, remaining strong with unfaltering faith and never complained. Those she leaves behind will cherish her memory and miss her greatly.
Fond memories of Ms. Parker and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Parker Family.
