Thelma Steele Parker

Thelma Virginia Steele Parker passed from this earthly life and was reunited with her beloved husband Howard in the early morning hours of August 30, 2016.

Thelma was born February 27, 1927, in Honaker, Virginia to Henry and Angie Steele. She was the only girl in a household of seven boys, which made her the ""apple of her daddy's eye.""

If one had to describe Thelma in only one word, many would come to mind. But one attribute stands out among all the rest; her unselfish nature. She always put the need of others above her own and was kind and giving to everyone she encountered whether young or old.

Thelma worked for Liggett and Myers in Richmond, Virginia in the early 50's where she met the love of her life, Howard Taylor Parker. They were married June 1, 1952 and were blessed with two sons, Chip and Joe. Howard was taken way too soon when he was stricken with a rare form of cancer and passed away on January 3, 1978. Thelma became a very independent woman following Howard's death and remained so until her own passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Angie and Henry Steele, husband Howard Taylor Parker, brothers Elmer, Claude, Ralph, Allen, Mike, and Curt Steele. Also preceding her in death were many ""other"" family members, for she felt the Parker's were equally her family.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memory two sons and their wives; William Wood ""Chip"" Parker and wife Kelly, Joseph Steele Parker and wife Kelly, grandson Andrew Huls Parker and wife Samantha, one brother, Dan and wife Pat, brother-in­ law Paul Parker and wife Mattie, and countless nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 3 at 2:00pm at Faith United Methodist Church in Rural Hall with the Reverend Eileen Ayuso officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The Parker family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Neurology and Oak Forest Rehabilitation Center.

Inlieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or
Faith United Methodist Church.

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