Emily Anne Parker

Emily Anne Parker, 79, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 4, 2025. She was born on May 22, 1946, and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family and faith.

Emily was adopted as a young child and raised in Havana, Cuba, until political unrest prompted her family to return to the United States. As Emily often recalled, she “left on the last plane of dependents leaving Cuba in 1960.” She later attended schools in Pennsylvania and Florida, graduating from Southwest Miami High School in 1965.

Being bilingual opened many doors for Emily, and she used her gift of language throughout her career as a paraprofessional with the Polk County Public School System, where she served faithfully until her retirement in 2008.

Emily married the love of her life, Steven E. Parker, on June 8, 1968. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and shared adventure. Emily loved crafts, china painting, shopping, and traveling—especially when it involved exploring both the U.S. and foreign countries. Her humor, warmth, and joy for life touched everyone around her.

She was a devoted member of Northridge Baptist Church and supported several causes close to her heart, including Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, North Carolina.

Emily is survived by her husband, Steven Parker; son, Bradford Parker; her daughter, Amy Rayborn; grandchildren Tyler Rayborn, Mindy Hansen, Chloe Rayborn, Joshua Parker, and Colton Parker; great-grandchildren Ivey Hansen, Parker Rodriguez, Jay Parker, and Mark Parker; sister Adelheid Schaedler; nieces Sherri, Lorraine, Kristen, Brigitte, Barbel, and Angelika; nephew Karl; and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her birth mother Erika Weidler, her adoptive parents Carmen and Humphrey Fairlamb; brother Klaus Weidler; great-granddaughter Olive Hansen, and others who now welcome her home in Heaven.

Emily was blessed to reconnect with her biological family at age 75—a joyful reunion that brought her tremendous peace. Her family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the pastors of Northridge and Westside Baptist Churches, the Inspire group, Meals on Wheels in Winter Haven, Compassionate Care Hospice, and her devoted caregivers Nancy, Maria, Christine, and Brigitte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Boone, North Carolina.

Emily’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew her.