of Batesville, AR
March 5, 1928 - March 22, 2018
Thelma M. Parker, 90, of Batesville, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018.
She was born on March 5, 1928 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to George W. Miller and Evelyn S. Miller.
Thelma was a member of First Baptist Church of Batesville and was most recently a member of Scott Blackwell's Sunday School Class.
When Thelma was 18 her family moved from Minnesota to Fayetteville, Arkansas. While at Siloam Springs Baptist Assembly in Siloam Springs, Arkansas she met Bob Parker who she later married. They were married for 61 years. Thelma was an excellent cook who enjoyed cooking for her family and anybody Bob or the children would bring home at meal time. She also enjoyed knitting and painting. Most of all she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most people will remember Thelma by her beautiful smile and how she cared for and loved others.
She is survived by her brother, Fred Miller (Marilyn) of Mt. Hermon, California; three sons, Bob Parker (Jean) of Springdale, David Parker (Susan) of Batesville, and Ellis Parker (Mona) of Mayflower; two daughters, Kathryn Blackwell (Scott) of Batesville and Suzanne Burgess (Erby) of Glenwood; seven grandchildren, Jami Forrester (Greg) of Springdale, Kristi Wiles (Josh) of Cave City, J.D. Parker (Becky) of Wynne, Chris Burgess (Emily) of Boise, Idaho, Sarah Pianalto (Justin) of Tontitown, Crist Blackwell (Hannah) of Redding, California, and Mandy Larch of Little Rock; fourteen great-grandchildren, Parker and Wyatt Forrester, Jake and Caleb Anderson, Parker Wiles, Halle, Cate, Ty and Issac Parker, Hendon and Ellis Burgess, Aiden Pianalto, and Jordan and Blake Harper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert ''Bob'' Albert Parker; brother, Wendall Miller; and sister, Betty Cap.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at First Baptist Church in the West Annex with Bro. Erby Burgess and Bro Stacy Reed officiating. Burial will be at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday prior to the service.
The family would like to thank Eagle Mountain Assisted Living Administration and Staff for the excellent care our mom was given over the past 12 years. They would also like to thank Dr. Julia Allen and Dr. Robert Walton for their caring treatment over the years.
Memorials may be made to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2362 Goff Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
Dear Parker Children,
We were saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved mother, Thelma. She was a shining light in the lives of so many people, and our family was fortunate to be touched by her bright smile and loving kindness.
We are praying for all of you as this journey without your mother begins. Your memories will keep her close to you.
May each of your rest on God's promises,
Love,
Rebecca Ford Doster, Ronald J.Ford and Robert Ford, Jr.
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
We are so very sorry for your loss. We know you have assurance of meeting again and spending eternity together. We loved your parents and were privileged to know them. Brother Bob was the best Pastor-Shepherd we have ever known and Thelma the most caring Pastor's wife. We loved the years we were a part of First Baptist Batesville. They were the best.
May you find comfort and peace as you cherish your wonderful memories. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Mary and Bill Menard
Ellis,
Sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
God Bless
Chet
My prayers are with the entire family during this time. She was a lovely person and a loving person. She and Bro. Bob are now reunited. They were such good friends to Ken and me. I will always remember their kindnesses to us.
Margaret, George and Ben, too.
Praying for peace during this time. Much love and sympathy.
I have lost a dear friend but her gracious spirit remains with all of us. My friendship with Thelma went back to our times at First Baptist Church when Bob was pastor. What fun we had together!
Blessings and love to all the family.
Bob, David, Kathryn, Suzanne, and Ellis
What a Delightful Couple your Mom and Dad were to me
and My Parents when we joined Cullendale First Baptist back in the 60's. Mom and I will always have precious memories
of them and each of you.
We send our deepest Sympathy to all of you and your families . May the Lord Comfort your hearts .
Psalms 23
"The Freeland's"
Peggy And Ms. Bonnie
Your mom was a special lady with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Suzanne and family, I am so sorry. Bob & Thelma were so sweet to me as a child and much loved as our pastor. As hard as it is to let go, I thank God she and your dad have reunited again. I will keep you all in my prayers during this time.
So sorry for your loss, she was a lovely lady.
Deborah Cockrill
What a precious lady she was! God be with her family!