Anne James Parker

Anne, also known as Mi, to her grandchildren, was born in the town of Prospect, Tennessee on November 23, 1937. Anne was the only child of Sue Wilson and Leon Edward James both of Prospect, Tennessee. Anne is survived by her son, Jim Parker (Elisa) of Franklin, TN and her daughter, Leegie Parker of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her four grandsons: Joel Parker, Campbell Parker, Wilson Parker and Wyatt Bowers.

Anne graduated from George Peabody College and later worked for more than 31 years at Calvary Young Children’s School in Nashville, nurturing and adoring thousands of children who attended the school. Anne retired from her position as Director of Calvary Young Children’s School in 2007 after 27 years of ministering that position. Prior to becoming director, Anne served several distinct roles in the many early versions of the church school. In 1968 Anne became a board member of Calvary’s preschool and kindergarten classes which provided classes for three-, four- and five-year-old children. In 1973, Calvary initiated its Mothers-Day-Out program and in 1976 Anne began substitute teaching. In 1979, Calvary merged the two programs and Anne became the first director of the combined school.

Anne was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She was a soft-spoken woman who loved children, always extending a hug, a pat, a lap to the little ones at Calvary. She was thoughtful and kind to all, her hospitality shined. She was a loyal friend, and was beloved by her Calvary staff, counting them as her best friends. Anne had three sister-cousins, Dodie, Sue and Lit, whom she loved to travel with to the beach where they would talk, reminisce, and laugh endlessly. Anne loved spending time with her grandsons and watching them play their sports, holidays with her family, watching Vanderbilt sports, gatherings and conversations with friends, and she always needed to know what was happening around her.

The family would like to extend enormous gratitude and thanks to the many devoted nurses and staff at NHC’s Aspen Arbor and Caris Hospice for their loving care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 1pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, followed by Memorial Service at 2pm. A reception will be held following the service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Calvary United Methodist Church, Anne Parker Fund, which benefits the Young Children’s School community. Calvary UMC, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 or www.CalvaryUMC.com