Eileen Coon Parker

FLORENCE Eileen C. Parker, widow of James William Parker, Jr., passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the Presbyterian Home in Florence.

Mrs. Parker was born in Buffalo, NY, on March 30, 1925, to Kathryn Storey Coon and James A. Coon. She was raised in Laurel, MD, and worked at the Pentagon, where she met her husband of 70 years. In their later years, Eileen and James enjoyed traveling with friends and family to Europe, Canada, Alaska, and throughout the U.S.

She was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church, where she participated in Circles, Sunday School, Keen Agers, and many other activities in the church. She was also an active member of many other organizations and clubs in Florence and Ebenezer.

She especially enjoyed cooking and entertaining for family and friends at her home in Ebenezer. Inviting friends and family to the cabin and fish pond, where she would prepare her delicious fish stew, brought much joy to her. She was also known for her beautiful needlework. Her needlepoint and quilts will always be cherished by her friends and family. Through her life she was a very generous and caring person.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, James William Parker, III, and a daughter, Ann Parker Deatherage.

She is survived by a daughter, Claudia Parker Caldwell and her husband, Don, and seven grandchildren: Mary Catherine Caldwell Smith (Chris), James Stewart Caldwell (Hailey), Burton Parker (Marisha), Jim Parker, David Hooker, Elizabeth English Bryant, and Edward Parker English (Arianne). She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Frances, Emily and Catherine Smith, Caroline and James Caldwell, Eli, Micah and Mathew Parker, Taylor Ann Bryant and David Hunter English.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2013, in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, at the Presbyterian Home of Florence. The family will greet friends immediately following the memorial service.

The family expresses special thanks to the staff of the Presbyterian Home, especially Shirley, whom Mrs. Parker grew to trust and love as her best friend. Also much appreciation goes to her faithful caretakers: Renetta, Lenita, Charlena and Ramina. The family will forever remember and appreciate the love and devotion shown by Larry Roscoe in the care of the home place and Mrs. Parker.

Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Home, 2350 W. Lucas St., Florence, SC 29501; Parker-Caldwell Scholarship Fund, First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601; Carolinas Hospice, 121 E. Cedar St., Florence, SC 29506; or First Presbyterian Church, 700 Park Ave., Florence, SC 29501.

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