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Norma Belle Pender Parker February 1, 1926 - November 2, 2015

Born: Monday Feb 1, 1926

Died: Monday Nov 2, 2015

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Norma Pender Parker, 89, surrounded by family and loved ones, died peacefully at Morehead Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 2, 2015 following a brief battle with pneumonia.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 5 at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 538 Henry Street, Eden, NC.

Mrs. Parker was born February 1, 1926 in Spray, NC, the fifth of eight children born to Charles Marshall and Willie Duncan Pender. She would become the first new member of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Spray having been the first child to be christened in the newly built sanctuary. During her years at Saint Luke's, she sang in the adult choir and was a member of the Florence Nightingale Class. Much later, after moving to the west side of Leaksville, she transferred her family's membership to the Church of the Epiphany where she remained a member until her death. At Epiphany she sang in the adult choir, taught Sunday School and was a member of the Episcopal Church Women. She also belonged to the Ladies Benevolent Sewing Society until it's disbandment.

A 1943 graduate of Leaksville High School, she remained a point of contact for alumni for many years. In 1945, she graduated from Pfeiffer College (now Pfeiffer University) in Misenheimer, NC with a degree in Liberal Arts. At Pfeiffer, Norma distinguished herself in two ways: She sang in the renowned Pfeiffer College Choir and hosted with her parents, two foreign exchange students from the orient, at college and at home in Spray. This was a new program, at the college established under the auspices of Rotary International. Mrs. Parker was retired from Morehead Memorial Hospital and did private companion work until she was 80 years old.

In addition to her church work, Norma was a Red Cross volunteer, a Linus Blanket Project volunteer, and a Meals on Wheels volunteer. She loved the beach and spent as much time there as possible and nurtured her lifelong hobby of gathering and collecting shells.

Mrs. Parker is survived by a son, Mark Parker of the home; three daughters, Jane Stewart Parker of Little River, SC, Penn Parker of Asheville, Ginger Salmons and husband, Dwayne, of Bachelor's Hall, VA and a beloved granddaughter, Isabelle, also of Virginia. Her sister, Azile Lemons resides in Wilmington, NC. Among the survivors are several nieces and nephews, two of whom were particularly special to Mrs. Parker: Marsha Parker Brumfield of Loris, SC and Charles (Chuck) Fair of Eden.

She was preceded in death by her beloved "Granny Haizlip"; parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Marshall Pender; husband, Paul (Dick) Parker; brother, Philip Pender; sisters, Marie Willard, Eliza Jennings, Rebecca Carter, Alma Fair and Constance Buck; sisters-in-law, Eljeva Harrell Pender and Ida Ruth Hicks Parker; and lifelong friends, Lucille Gilley Williams and Dorothy Reid McBride.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, 6:30 - 8:30PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 1633 NC Hwy 135 in Eden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 538 Henry Street, Eden, NC 27288 or to the Rockingham County Meals On Wheels Program, PO Box 1915, Reidsville, NC 27323 or to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Jane, Mark, Penn and Ginger, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. She meant a lot to me and I will never forget her. She was a great friend to my Mom, and to my family..... You all are in thoughts at this time.... always, Debbie
Debbie Hoerter
My heart breaks for the loss of this wonderful women,she gave love to many people in her lifetime, taught many lessons with that love, she will be missed by many and never forgotten. Prayers.
Lynn Woods-Hill
Mark: I was shocked and saddened to read of your Mother's passing. I know you were close to her. Please know, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please extend my sympathy to Chuck, as I know this is hard for him. My thoughts are with him also. God bless each of you. I pray you feel that peace from God that passeth all understanding.
Debbie Thompson Horton
Mark, and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, not many left in this world as great as your Mother, she will be missed. May the Lord help you through this time.
Wendy Smith
We just want to express our deepest sympathy at the passing of Norma. I know she will be missed so much by all the family and friends. She always had a smile whenever we would see her and always got a hug. Our families have been so close through the years, have always felt like we are all family. She truly fought the good fight, but she is at peace and rest. I know this is such a difficult time for all of you, but know there are so many prayers being said for all of you, as well as a lot of love. Prayers for all.
Susan & Louis Childrey
Thoughts and prayers for this family.
Stephanie Roberson
Mark and family, my deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Wright Hines
So sorry for your loss. May the lord comfort each of you. May your memories serve you well. Gladys M. Hill & family
Gladys M Hill
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you family and friends.So sorry for your loss.
Keith Rumley
So sorry to learn that Norma has passed away. She was truly a great lady! Sending prayers for strength to family members during this difficult time..........
Derike Shelton
Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you and your family.
Kathy Dobr
Mark & Family, So sorry to hear of Norma's passing. I have such fond memories of her. We had quite a few laughs back in the day, she was so much fun. I know y'all will truly miss her and know we are praying for all of you through this time of sorrow and grief. Its so sad to see the all the older people I knew pass away, as I see them as a generation of true class. I know how all of you loved her so. Hope we can get together soon! We don't get up that way often. Lisa & Wade Vernon
Lisa & Wade Vernon
Mark Parker and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a beautiful lady. I'm thankful you took good care of her. I didn't know about this till today. May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers, love, Nancy { Lorene Page } Raines.
Nancy Raines
Mark i'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom will truly be missed!!!!
mark butler
Jane, I was so saddened to hear of your mother's passing. There is nothing so dear as a mother's love. Your mother was a true Southern Belle. She loved her family as much as they loved her. You will carry that love in your heart forever. Prayers and love to all of you. Chuck Myrtle Beach
Chuck Kennedy
Mark,Jane,Penn,Ginger, I am so sad at the loss of Norma and so glad I got to visit her at the hospital when she had the big turn around, guess the day worked out for all of us....my memory WELL IT'S RINDA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR HAIR???? Well all of us bursted out laughing...That is a memory that all of us have to share..Will miss her but she will be never forgotten and now all of us have a new memory as well as the old memories, for example the night we were all going to moons and she said...Is that where yall going to be when the Lord comes........Forever prayers for all of you...
Rinda Loftis

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