Anne Mary Parker

WILMINGTON – Anne Mary Parker, age 84 of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Anne is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul G Parker and her parents, William Splinter and Hazel Roberts Splinter. 

Anne is survived by her son, William Andrew Parker and his wife, Kimberly Gaston Parker, of Greenville, SC; daughter, Lisa Ellen Parker of Wilmington, NC; six grandchildren, Nathan, Andrew, Joshua and Sarah, all of Wilmington, NC and Alex and Katelyn of Greenville, SC; and her companion of nine years, George Clarke of Wilmington, NC; as well as her beloved Corgi, “Lucy”.

Anne was born on September 7, 1939 in Evanston, IL. Anne graduated from Niles East High School and Bradley University (BA – Education). Anne had a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher in Skokie, IL.

Anne and Paul moved from the Chicago area to Wilmington, NC in 1990 where they made a wonderful new home and life together along with their two children.

Anne was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC where she was an Elder, a Eucharistic Minister and served on many committees where she gave of her time generously and served in these roles with great joy and pride.

Anne cherished her role as grandmother and involved herself with her grandchildren in school activities as well as soccer, baseball, and basketball, but one of her most cherished activities were trips to Masonboro Island with them.

She loved gardening and became a Master Gardener, playing bridge & Mah Jong, taking walks by the ocean, boating and sailing. She was a world traveler and shared many stories of her adventures and experiences.

Sailing and racing on Lake Michigan was a great love shared by Anne, her husband Paul and their two children. After they moved to Wilmington, NC they continued their love for sailing and became members of WBORA (Wrightsville Beach Ocean Racing Association).

Anne’s love for her family far exceeded everything else in her life. She was dearly loved by both her family, extended family, and numerous friends.

She was a member of many clubs; PEO Chapter BH, and Wrightsville Beach Surf Club. Anne was involved in the grandparent support network for disadvantaged children which brought her tremendous joy.

Anne was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many. In Anne’s entire life, her joy, faith and grace were always present and forever bright; in short, she was a beautiful ray of sunshine!

Anne will be missed by many and will continue to live on in the hearts and souls of those left behind.

The Clarke family held a special place in her life and she cherished the many memories made with them. Anne’s family wishes to thank them for their continued love and support.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or First Presbyterian Church at 125 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

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