Susan Green Parker Parker

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina on May 23, 1941, to Fred P. Parker Jr. and Mary Borden Parker, Susan grew up surrounded (and occasionally outnumbered) by her beloved brothers, Fred P. Parker III and E.B. Borden Parker, and numerous guy cousins. The experience of being raised in that lively Parker household and Eastern North Carolina community, full of boys and good-natured mischief, contributed to her strength, quick wit, unflappable composure, and unrivaled sense of humor.

Susan created an extraordinary career in the travel industry, becoming a true pioneer as the owner and operator of Travel Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Long before "women-owned businesses" were celebrated and the internet made travel a matter of algorithms, Susan served as the "original travel website." Actually, she was better. Susan did not just book reservations and plan itineraries; she curated life experiences. She regularly showed her clients, and competitors, one of her greatest abilities - availability. Fielding calls at 3:00 AM from stranded clients across the globe, resolving overbooked hotels, detouring around missed connections. Whether an essential business trip, a "once-in-a-lifetime" family excursion, or a dream honeymoon, Susan's clients knew they were in expert hands from departure to return and she would help them overcome any contingency. And, yes, she was THE insider's guide to Walt Disney World that no brochure or guidebook could replicate (for example, knowing darn well to make her brother, Borden, not her, take their nephew on Space Mountain).

Travel, it turns out, was only one of the ways Susan helped people navigate the world. Susan also created a welcoming environment where people felt cared for, supported, and could be themselves. She became the ultimate destination, a place where folks could receive help navigating life.

Susan welcomed family, friends, and newcomers to her home - first to her rooftop apartment patio on Lewis Circle then to her townhome overlooking Fred Fletcher Park. A standing invitation, open seven days a week. Guests came for ten minutes and stayed for hours. An after work visit, a weekend "stop by," a holiday appearance. The door was always open and "Come on in!" answered every knock. Yes, even the postal workers and delivery drivers popped in for a spell.

Susan had a rare and precious gift: the ability to make you feel, completely and without performance, that you were the most important person in the room. Even if she were speaking with five people simultaneously. She had a way of gracefully turning every conversation back to you, even when you tried your best to make it about her. The "Auntie Sue" pivot. She provided you comfort and care. And, when appropriate, laughter from her humorous and well-timed remarks and trademark "cracking up."

Susan married the love of her life, Robert Andrew Parker of Henderson, North Carolina. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and community by enjoying and celebrating each other. They shared that gift by "holding court" for their daily visitors. Their black labrador retriever, Abby, presided over these gatherings with the poise and grace of a true Southern debutante.

When not carefully planning and overseeing client travel, joining Robert in their cozy library before a wood burning fire, or welcoming visitors for entertainment or counsel, Susan could be found with a thriller or crime novel in hand. She was a voracious reader with a particular appreciation for a well-constructed murder mystery. Or, you would find Susan bent over a needlepoint project, crafting gifts for family members and friends. Susan frequented independent bookstores, craft shops, and antique haunts in every city she visited. And, local oysters feared her arrival during the months with the letter "r."

Susan's commitment to service extended far beyond her personal circle. She volunteered with and supported organizations addressing hunger, family violence, housing instability, and joblessness, including Wake Relief, InterAct of Wake County, and FIGS of Wake County. Her compassion was real and it was lived - daily and quietly.

She was, and will always be, Auntie Sue to us all. A unique and beautiful blessing.

Susan was predeceased by her husband Robert, her brother Fred, her sister in law Elizabeth "Betty Anne" Parker, her sister in law Caroline Parker, and her brother in law Walt Parker.

She is survived by her: brother E.B. Borden Parker of Goldsboro, NC; niece Mary Kent Parker Hill and her husband Chip of Carrboro, NC; nephew Fred Parker and his wife Nicole of Charlotte, NC; niece Caroline Doherty and her husband Rob of Greenville, NC; nephew Tom Whitehead and his wife Susan of Raleigh, NC; and sister in law Tempe Parker of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Susan is also survived by many great nieces and nephews and other family who she adored greatly, and who all loved her as "Auntie Sue."

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Susan's devoted caregivers provided by Lekita Essa, especially Emily and Loreen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wake Relief, InterAct of Wake County, FIGS of Wake County.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM at The Church of the Holy Innocents, 210 South Chestnut Street, Henderson, NC 27536, with a reception following in the church Parish Hall.

Brown-Wynne 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Parker family.