Nancy Parker

"1927 – 2016" Asheville – Nancy Jane Russell Parker, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, avid cook, and dedicated volunteer began her new life in the "Happy Hunting Ground" on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Nancy began her earthly life on June 30, 1927 in Canton, North Carolina, the only child of Fain and Ruth Russell. Her life at that point was bitter sweet as her dotting father died when she was six. His death would shape her life, but would not deter her. She would go on to become a majorette at Canton High School (of special note, Nancy could still perform back bends while twirling at age 50) and after graduation, she attended Asheville Business College. It was during these later years that she met the love of her life, a handsome Navy man, Carl L. Parker, Jr. They were married and set up housekeeping in West Asheville, eventually moving to Beverly Hills, where memories for a lifetime were made. This "Leave it to Beaver" family had grown to two children, Stephen L. Parker (Linda) and Lynn Ellen Parker Black (Ronald). During these years one could find Nancy volunteering at the PTA, Groce Methodist Church (where she and Carl were founding members), the Lion's Club, Brownies, and of course any activity her children were involved in. In later years, Nancy would be known for her love of her grandchildren, Ashley Black Gaylord (Kevin), and Christopher Black, (Ashley Marie Bos), great-grandchildren, Parker and Harrison Gaylord as well as her volunteer commitments at the V.A. Hospital, Mission Hospital, Lewis Rathburn Center, Givens Estate, Meals on Wheels, and Central Methodist Church. She had a special friend, the late Richard Moore, of whom she enjoyed numerous years of companionship. While always the perfect homemaker and mother all the years, Nancy balanced a professional career at Central Methodist Pre-school, Asheville Federal Savings Bank, personal assistant to Methodist Dr. Robert G. Tuttle, the Executive V.P. Beacon Manufacturing, Six Associates, and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNCA. As a lifelong Methodist and current member of Central United Methodist Church, Nancy was a devout Christian. Her Burial will take place at the family cemetery at Morning Star Church in Canton. The land for the church and cemetery had been given by her grandfather, Dr. Russell of Canton. We wish to thank Care Partners Hospice as well as Lynn Dillingham "Sis", the Capone family, Nancy and Sha Warren, Beck Bullock, and Dr. James Ladd for their compassionate care and friendship. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Morning Star Community Center with the Reverend David D. Kennedy officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. prior to the service at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. "…for you are fearfully and wonderfully made…" Psalms 139:14. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Care Partners Hospice Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

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