Jonnie A. Parker

Jonnie A. Parker VIRGINIA BEACH - Jonnie Mae Attaway Parker was born and raised in Buford, Ga. Jonnie was a caring and compassionate human being who came to the rescue of countless animals and people during her lifetime, including participating with Friends of Penny Min Pin Rescue the last year of her life. She also pursued interests in drama, writing, archeology, geology, gardening and bird watching. Her greatest gift, however, was the ability to draw out and nurture the hidden talents of others. Jonnie often commented to family and friends that her name, Jonnie, and her resume got her through the door for job interviews. Once there, she enjoyed the looks on the interviewer's faces as they would comment, "Oh, you're a woman! Well, sit down anyway and let's talk." She was a true pioneer in what was at the time a "man's world." After graduating from college in Florida, Jonnie began a long and illustrious career in retailing. Beginning as a sales associate in a woman's specialty store, Jonnie rose quickly through the ranks to manage several Diana shops on the East Coast. She moved into better department stores where she managed stores for Bonwit-Teller and Franklin-Simon. Then she moved on to the Naval Exchange and then to AAFES where she was a buyer in a number of categories culminating with establishing their gold jewelry program. Most of all, Jonnie was a loving mother of two, grandmother of one and great-grandmother of two. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Parker and daughter-in-law Debbie Dern-Parker who reside in Virginia Beach; granddaughter, Shana Clare Piper; and two great-granddaughters, Katlyn Josiah Piper and Sarah Nichole Piper who reside in Arvada, Colo. She was a devout Christian. Her memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, 2708 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, (757) 427-3272. In lieu of flowers and to honor Jonnie's deep love of animals and the Lord, please consider making a donation to either Friends of Penny Min Pin Rescue at http://tinyurl.com/Jparker or to the Courthouse Community United Methodist Church's building fund. Jonnie commented many times that people would be surprised how far just one dollar can go in the right hands! The family thanks you in advance for any funds you donate in her honor.