1935 ~ 2018

 

Dorris “Ann” Parker passed away March 15, 2018 from complications of diabetes. Ann was born on August 18, 1935, in Clarksdale, MS to Claude and Nona (Inman) Ward. She was the only daughter of 5 children. Ann graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1954. In 1955, she married Rayburn E. Parker. During their marriage, they had 3 children, Paul Allen, Richard Eric, and David Laird. The family lived in Mississippi, Michigan, Texas, and India and traveled to Russia, France, Amsterdam, Japan, Philippines, and Thailand.  Ann and Rayburn divorced in 1974.

Ann is survived by her 3 sons Paul (Margie) of Colorado Springs, CO, with whom Ann has lived for most of the last 18 years, Richard of Batesville, MS and Colorado Springs, CO, and David of Shelbyville, Tennessee. She is also survived by 1 brother, Jerry Ward, of St. James, Missouri.  Ann also leaves one granddaughter Trish Parker Matthews, one great grandson Brodie, and one grandson, Richard E. Parker, Jr.  Additionally, she leaves two step grandchildren, Emily Vanley and Anthony Kreashko; and two great granddaughters, Ayla and Sophia; her cousin Tommy Givens; and dear friend of 43 years, Carol Woods. Ann was predeceased by her parents, and 3 brothers, Dean, Calvin, and Claude (Junior).

After her divorce, Ann and her boys moved to Ft. Walton Beach, FL in 1975. She eventually returned to the MS Delta area where she lived until moving to Colorado Springs.

Ann worked as a surgical scrub tech, EMT, CNA, hospital admissions clerk, and medical billing clerk for physician practices, and skilled nursing facilities. She was a very dedicated individual who pursued her challenges with equal amounts of determination and stubbornness in dealing with any obstacle that dared to interfere with her achieving her accomplishments.  Ann loved swimming in the ocean, dancing, singing, golfing, bridge, and spending time with friends and family.  As a young adult, Ann and her cousin Shirley, had the privilege of knowing Elvis Presley early in his career when he performed in clubs in MS and TN.

Honoring her wishes, Ann will be cremated and her remains returned to MS. There will not be any viewings or services in Colorado Springs. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Memphis. Alternative Cremation and Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.