Verna Grey Wallace Parker

Published 12:13 pm Friday, February 21, 2025

Verna Grey Wallace Parker, 87, of Washington, NC, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on January 5, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Sudie Mayo Wallace Tate and Harold Thurston Wallace. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Bobby Parker, and their four children: Bob Parker (Jackie) of Washington Park, NC, Patrick Parker (Özge Akman) of Hampstead, NC, Stephanie Parker (Dave Jones) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Reid Parker (Angela) of New Bern, NC. Verna was a proud grandmother to Isabella Parker, Owen Parker-Jones, Gregory Parker, Nicholas Parker, Finley Parker, and Ashton Parker. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Latham, brother-in-law, Jimmy Parker (Donna), and many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Kristie Woolard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Phylis Lagerfeld, sister-in-law, Betty Woolard, and brothers-in-law Ted Lagerfeld, Daniel Woolard, and Bobby Latham.

Mrs. Parker graduated from Washington High School and Sacred Heart College. In 1957, Verna married Bobby Parker, embarking on an adventurous life together. Bobby’s career with the U.S. Geological Survey took them up and down the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Their time “on the survey” created cherished memories and lifelong friendships with the other “survey families.” After returning to Washington, NC, Verna dedicated 20 years as a teacher’s assistant at Eastern Elementary, where she touched the lives of many children and their families. Upon retirement, she traveled the world, exploring England, Ireland, Germany, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Verna also found joy in knitting and cross-stitching, gifting treasured blankets and baby quilts to family and friends. She was a member of the Wellness Center, where she enjoyed water aerobics and the companionship of her “pool friends.”

Verna will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Friday February 21, 2025, at PaulFuneral Home & Crematory at other times at the home.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Parker family.