Cathy Nutt Parker

Cathy Nutt Parker went home to be with the Lord on April 2, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband Patrick Parker and her parents, Wanda and Wilburn Nutt. Cathy is survived by her son Logan Parker, daughter in law Angel Parker and a brother, Michael Nutt. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws, Kim Parker Stone and Katherine Nutt, a brother-in-law Terrance Parker, two grandchildren: Giselle “Gigi” White and Graceson Parker, and many nieces and nephews.

Cathy exuded warmth and kindness to all she met and brought laughter and humor into every room. Born January 16, 1954 in Panama City, FL, she graduated from Bay High in 1972 where she was a cheerleader and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. She then went on to earn her B.S. in Sociology from the University of Florida. This early interest in championing the efforts and needs of others would serve as a guiding light throughout her adult life, as she worked with and advocated for children in numerous capacities. While at UF, Cathy’s membership in Alpha Delta Pi provided a close circle of friends and a lifetime of laughter and memories.

Family meant everything to Cathy. Cathy married the love of her life, Patrick, on Sept 1, 1979. She admired and adored her brother, Mike, and raising her son, Logan, was the greatest joy of her life. Upon moving to Jacksonville in 1987, Cathy and Pat joined and were active members of Southside United Methodist Church. She loved to travel with trips including Japan, China, San Francisco, St. Louis, New York and lived they in New Orleans for over a decade.

Cathy was involved with the children’s choir and taught confirmation classes for many years. She also founded and initially led the Study Sisters Bible study, which continues meeting to this day. Cathy was also a devoted member of Kairos Outside of Northeast Florida, a program within the Kairos International Prison Ministry that ministers to women who have incarcerated loved ones. Most recently, she joined Riverside Park United Methodist Church.

Professionally, Cathy pursued positions where she could utilize her passion for early childhood education. She worked as a teacher at Southside United Methodist Preschool, followed by several years at Girls, Inc where she worked as a Program Director. For the last 18 years, Cathy devoted her time and efforts to the mission of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval County. She served as Director of the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK), developing and implementing the innovative prekindergarten program for all of Duval County.

An avid sports fan of her alma mater, Cathy was a season ticket holder for Gator football games and watched just about every Florida sporting event that was aired on television. One of her favorite pastimes was conversing with anyone and everyone about the Orange and Blue. She loved the outdoors and was happiest when hiking trails or taking daily walks with friends. Cathy enjoyed camping, kayaking, and traveling, especially to visit our beautiful National Parks. She completed the Jacksonville river 3 times and also the Donna Hicken half marathon.

She was a connoisseur of desserts and all things candy, Cathy could always be counted on to help satisfy a sweet tooth.

Known as CeCe to her grandchildren, Cathy was devoted to her family and friends and drew strength from her faith community. Her love of music led her to form lifelong friendships with those who shared her passion, whether it be hymns, the Doobie Brothers or Carole King. Cathy will be remembered for her humor, compassion, and service to others.

Cathy was a true follower of Jesus and loved her family and friends very much.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th at Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 819 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Kairos.