Mary Doris Young Parker passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the age of 100, surrounded by family. She was born December 8, 1922, to John Floyd and Jessie Price Young. She grew up in the Mt. Pisgah community, south of Noxapater, MS. On April 3, 1946, she married O’Farrell Parker of Lawrence, MS.
She is survived by her son, Mike Parker (Jerene) of Ackerman, and daughter, Janet Jones of Madison. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Lauren Daigle (Christian) of Madison, Michaela Parker of Starkville, and Michelle Parker of Ackerman, and one great-granddaughter, Ella Daigle. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, four brothers – Robert T. (Pete) Young, John Paul Young, Herbert H. Young, and Mike Young, and one sister – Willene Young Fryery, who was her best friend. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Kemper County High School. She then received an associate degree in bookkeeping and started working for Turner Hardware in Philadelphia, MS. While working in Philadelphia, she met her husband of 69 years.
Doris was a talented seamstress, making Starkville Academy band uniforms, MSU majorette outfits, and custom drapes. She also made numerous dresses for her granddaughters, with matching dresses for their dolls. One of her favorite hobbies was drawing and painting and even took art classes at MSU when she was 60 years old. She was a wonderful cook, always making her grandchildren’s favorite meals.
Doris had a green thumb and could grow just about anything. She loved spending time in her garden and caring for her numerous flower beds. She was an active member at First Baptist Church of Starkville, teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees until she was 90. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26, from 1-2 PM at First Baptist Church Starkville with the service to follow. Burial will be held at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Starkville Children’s Building Fund.
