Blanche G. Parker

Blanche G. Parker, 86, a resident of Benton, TN passed away Monday, March 28, 2016 at the family residence.  She was a graduate of Polk County High School.  She was an excellent seamstress and made all the girls dresses.  She enjoyed reading, especially the Bible which she read through many, many times.  She also enjoyed traveling with the family bluegrass band but her greatest joy was loving and caring for her family.

She most recently attended Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a member of Zion Baptist Church.  During the years she was employed she worked at Carwood, Kellman’s, Remington and Lake Ocoee Inn. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years on March 15, 2016, James L. Parker, Jr.;  parents, Thomas and Minnie Mashburn Brock; daughter, Beth O’Rourke; granddaughter, Kelly O’Rourke; sister, Ruby Leigh Brock; son-in-law, John Godfrey.  

To cherish her memory she leaves her children, Susan Cantrell, Sherry Godfrey and Betsy (Pat) O’Rourke all of Cleveland, Jimmy (Kelly) Parker of Benton; honorary children who shared his home are Amy Parker, Josh Parker and Shelby Brook Evans; 35 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  Several nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive.  The family expresses a special “THANK YOU” to caregivers, Amy Parker, Christy Thompson and Nathaniel Danley. 

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend Pete Morgan officiating.  Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 in Oak Grove Cemetery.  A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 prior to the service in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Chaz Kaylor, Matt Byrum, Jacob Parker, Josh Parker, Elijah Danley, Tyler Wallace.  Honorary pallbearers are Jamie Wallace, Colby McConnell and Michael Thompson. 

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Parker family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.