Leola T. Parker

Mrs. Leola Turner Parker, age 76, of Dallas, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at WellStar Paulding Hospital.

Mrs. Parker was born December 21, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia, to Ethel Carnes Turner and Hobert Carl Turner. Leola worked as an assistant librarian for many years but her favorite job was being a Mother and Homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church Dallas, and part of the Hannah Sunday School Class. She was married to Mr. Joseph (Joe) Stewart Parker, Sr. for 43 years, having married at Preacher Cole’s house in Dallas on January 12, 1973. They had 7 children between them and were often called “The Brady Bunch.” Leola, then shortened to Lola, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, had a giving spirit and was the heart of her family. She often said her grandchildren were her greatest joy! Leola was a huge sports fan, she loved watching her children and grandchildren at games. But, in particular she enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves.She loved to paint, and share those paintings through Christmas cards, Birthday cards, Sympathy cards, or Just Because cards with her friends and family. She enjoyed traveling with Joe, their children and friends throughout the years. Leola was known for having a green thumb, and loved growing and watering her beautiful flowers, tomato plants and sharing her canned tomatoes with everyone. She was an exceptional cook and loved to feed her family, but all were welcome at her table. She had a quick wit, and loving personality. Leola will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Joseph (Joe) Stewart Parker, Sr.; daughter, Farah Connell Barber; mother, Ethel Ball and  In-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Edward (Edna) Parker.

She is survived by her children, Travis Todd of Houston, Texas, K.C. (Judith) Todd of Rockmart, Georgia, Mindi Bennett of Helen, Georgia, Jolee (Jason) Kitchen of Dallas, Georgia, Suzanna (John) Beavers of Dallas, Georgia, and Joseph Stewart (Ashley) Parker, Jr. of Rockmart, Georgia; son-in-law, Ricky Barber of Hiram, Georgia; 25 grandchildren, Melissa, Kelly, Jeremy, Jamie, Todd, Jackson, Cameron, Addison, Nicholas, Philip, Holly, Nathan, Brooke, Blaine, Jessica, Makenzie, Parker, Madeline, Lanna, Rylan, Stella, Ryker, Allyn, Tripp and J. Ry; 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna (Wesley) Johnson and Helen (Mike) Michael; special aunt and cousin, Cathy Carnes and Pam Carnes; many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 2:00pm from First Baptist Church, Dallas with Dr. Todd Gaddis and Mayor Boyd Austin speaking. Beautiful music rendered by Mrs. Rita Henderson.

Clark Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.