Rita Susan Parkerson

HOT SPRINGS – Rita Susan Simmons Parkerson, 98, of Hot Springs was called into the presence of Almighty God on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024. She had been baptized in the name of the Trinity at a young age and trusted in Christ throughout her life, now rejoicing in the absence of tears and sorrows turned into joy.

Rita was born on July 2, 1926, in Van Buren, Crawford County, as the third and youngest child of Essie Lena Hill (1901-1986) and James Jackson “JJ” Simmons (1896-1965). In 1932, at age 6, she and her brothers, James Jackson “Jack” Simmons, Jr. (1923-1997) and Henry Hill “Hill” Simmons (1925-2012), moved back to the Graphic Community, located twenty miles northeast of Van Buren. This community was founded in the 1880s by both the Hill and Simmons families, who were the first Arkansans to raise polled Herford cattle.

Rita attended school in a two-story building, which also housed the local church and Masonic Lodge. For middle and high school, she and her brothers attended Alma High School, where Rita graduated as class president in 1942. In 1943, while her brothers served in the U.S. Navy, Rita was accepted into the University of Arkansas. She was an avid Razorback fan and graduated with a degree in home economics in 1947.

During her senior year, Rita met Carl Reed Parkerson (1924-1983), a fellow student from a farming family near Norman, Montgomery County. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at 18 and survived 21 bombing sorties over the European Theater as a waist gunner in a B-17. After the war, Carl used the GI Bill to pursue education, graduating in 1950. Rita and Carl married in 1948, and Carl went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Arkansas in 1956. The couple made Hot Springs their home in 1958, where Carl practiced family medicine for 25 years.

Throughout her life, Rita stayed active in her community and church. She functioned as Garland County President of the Medical Auxiliary in the late 1960’s, then later as State President. She served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Sessions at Highland and Westminster Presbyterian Churches, as well as official positions for state and local Presbyterian Women. Other church duties included being a Circle Leader, Sunday School teacher and leader of Vacation Bible School. She helped run the family farm near Mountain Pine all while dedicating time to her children’s schools and extracurricular activities, including PTA, Girl Scouts, sports, and music. She also found time to play bridge and travel with her Forum Club and Investment Club friends.

Rita’s spirit lives on through her children, Carol Susan “Susie” Allen (husband Terry), Mary Anna Traylor (husband Danny), Carl Reed Parkerson, Jr., and Steven Wayne Parkerson (wife Kelly); and grandchild, Allison Murray Traylor; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A private family committal service will be held at Hot Springs Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, followed by a 1:00 p.m. celebration of life service and reception at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3819 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913-6900. Memorial donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or a charitable organization of choice. An online guestbook is available at www.dignitymemorial.com, provided by Gross Funeral Home.

We pray that God will comfort all who mourn her passing with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead.