Barbara Parker

Barbara Ann Puckett Parker passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2026 at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City. One of eight children, she was born on May 6th, 1939 to her parents, Herbert and Lee Puckett in Monette, Arkansas. She graduated from Caraway High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Illinois to find employment. She met the love of her life, Wayne Parker, in 1959 and they were married on June 25th, 1960. They celebrated their 65th Anniversary just days before Wayne's death in 2025. On January 14th, 1967, they welcomed their only child, Kimberly Ann. Barbara was a homemaker and very involved at Lynwood Baptist Church in Oswego, IL for nearly 40 years. She taught Sunday School for many years and sang in the choir. She was a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ. Her health problems often kept her isolated but she used that time to reach out to others. She was faithful to write letters and send cards of encouragement or get well wishes to friends and family members. She was a prayer warrior and spent hours each week praying for her family, friends, and those who were ill. If she said she was praying for you, she meant it.

She and Wayne moved to Calhoun City, MS in 2002 after his retirement. In 2022, Wayne went to live in the nursing home after a bad fall and she joined him there in 2023. She loved the ladies who took care of her and prayed for the staff there every day. She was tiny but mighty and she became close to her favorite aides, Holly Ulland and Rachel Harvey and her favorite nurses, Cynthia Buchanan, Veronica Morgan, Jennifer Ezelle and Rochelle Hall. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Parker Gregory of Bruce; her best friend and sister, Linda Puckett Cobb, Altoona, IA and her special friend, Charlotte McCrory. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne Parker; her parents, Herbert and Lee Puckett; her brothers, Melvin Puckett, Robert Puckett, Gene Puckett; her sisters Gladys Cope, Jane Reed, and LuVerle Bass.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd from 1pm to 2pm at New Liberty Baptist Church in Vardaman, MS with the service following at 2pm, also at New Liberty Baptist Church. Bro. Chad Logan from First Baptist Church, Calhoun City will bring the message and Cory Bailey and Melissa Moore will provide the music. Pallbearers are Dr. Jeff Parker, Tuscaloosa AL; Ronald Parker, Belmont, MS; Dr. Bruce Longest, Bruce MS; Dr. Cory Bailey, Starkville MS; Rev. Chad Logan, Calhoun City MS; Chris Melton, Bruce MS.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parker family as they walk through this season of loss. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of their loved one.