Tanda Ward Parker

          EFFINGHAM – Tanda Ward Parker, 61, died Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, after an extended illness.

          A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Evergreen Baptist Church with visitation preceding the service beginning at 2:00 p.m., directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

          She was born in Florence and graduated from West Florence High School. She spent over two decades in nursing and touched countless patients with her kindness and empathy. She had a caring heart and friendly smile that she freely shared with anyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with her.

          Tanda loved all animals, especially her beloved Pekingese, Groovy. However, there was no one she loved more than her family. No matter what, she always made sure her husband of 40 years and two children knew they were the center of her world. She never failed to shower them with her unending love and affection, and she took every opportunity to show her family how much she cherished them.

          There are endless words to describe her – loving, warm, generous, funny, thoughtful, strong, tenderhearted, selfless – yet none of them portray her remarkable spirit or fierce loyalty, or her seemingly effortless ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable. She was truly loved by everyone who knew her and will be missed beyond words.

          Survivors include her loving husband, William “Ray” Parker, Jr., of Effingham; her daughter, Brittany Parker King (Davis) of Florence; her son, William Joshua Parker, of Effingham; her mother-in-law, Martha Smith Parker, of Florence; and a number of extended family members and friends.

         She was predeceased by her mother, Carol Pope Ward; her brother, Michael Allen Ward; and her father-in-law, William R. Parker, Sr.

         In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darlington County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551, or darlingtonhumane.org/donate.

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