Aileen Speaks Privette Parlier

She was born September 8, 1927, in Statesville and was the daughter of the late Farris and Jettie Plyler Speaks. She was a graduate of Statesville High School. In early years, she worked as a dental assistant with Dr. Glenn Lazenby and later worked at Troutman Industries. Most of her married life, Aileen was a devoted wife, mother and Nana to her grandchildren.

On June 21, 1949, she married John DeWitt Privette who preceded her in death on November 12, 1988. During their marriage, she was an active member of Troutman Baptist Church for over 40 years where she held numerous leadership positions, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Gary Speaks. On November 27, 2004, she married Bill W. Parlier who survives of Statesville. Upon marriage to Bill, she joined First ARP Church where she continued to teach Sunday school and be an active member until prevented by illness.

Her grace, deep faith and dignity served her well during her battle with ALS. Her spiritual strength, positive attitude and beautiful smile inspired those around her.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and the entire staff of Autumn Care of Statesville, especially Autumn Kiser. Aileen had a positive impact on the lives of many of the staff of both organizations. She brightened their days with her lovely smile.

In addition to her husband, Bill Parlier, she is survived by three children, Susan (Stan) Suther of Mooresville, John (Teresa) C. Privette of Fort Collins, CO, and Beth (Guy) Gordon of Charlotte; two step-children, Tracy Parlier of Hawaii and Ashley Parlier of Davidson; six grandchildren, Laura Suther of Raleigh, Kathryn (Ron) Ivy of Washington, DC, Suzanne Higgins, Thomas Higgins and John Higgins, all of Charlotte, and Amy Higgins of Boone; four step-grandchildren, Courtney Parlier, David, Charlie, and Alex Gordon, all of Charlotte; and a sister, Shelby Speaks Blackburn of Winston-Salem.

Memorial service celebrating Aileen’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2013, at First ARP Church with the Rev. Phil McCoy and the Rev. J.B. Parker officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Family burial will take place at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Aileen’s memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; or to First ARP Church, 123 E. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

“Don’t think of her as gone away, for nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much."