Kay Hedrick Parker

      FLORENCE – Kay Hedrick Parker, 87, died Saturday, September 21, 2024, at McLeod Hospice House after an extended illness.

      She was born in Montgomery, Alabama, a daughter of the late Clarence Franklin and Thelma Garrard Hedrick.  She graduated from Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, NC, and attended Converse College, where she met the love of her life, William Freeman Parker, Jr.  They married on June 8, 1957, and together raised four sons, who survive her.

      Dr. and Mrs. Parker settled in Florence in 1966, when he established his medical practice.  She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and the Florence Junior Welfare League for many years.  She fiercely loved her family and friends, and a stronger animal advocate was never born.

      In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Nancy H. Blackmon, and a daughter-in-law, Tammy Parker.

      She is survived by four sons, Michael Parker, Mark Parker (Terrie), Matt Parker, and Mitch Parker (Alicia), all of Florence; six grandchildren, Mason Parker (Sydney) of Columbia, SC, Jarrett Parker (Sarah)  and Summer Parker, both of Florence, Madisyn Powell of Darlington, Brooke Bonette (Zach) of Scott Depot, WV, and Spencer Parker of Charleston; two great-grandsons, Jackson and Greyson Bonette, of Scott Depot, WV; her three feline companions, Maxie, MD, and Miso; and a number of extended family members.

      A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Florence Memorial Gardens, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.  The family will greet friends following the service, and other times at her home.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Florence Area Humane Society, P. O. Box 4808, Florence, SC  29502.

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