Doris Parker

Doris Grey Daughtry Parker passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2025. She was born February 9, 1934 in Faison, North Carolina, daughter of Ruth Lewis Daughtry and Wade Woodrow Daughtry, and granddaughter to Susan Cornelia Lewis. The eldest of five children, she was part of a close knit, loving family that has been an ever present strength and joy in her life of 91 years. Growing up on their family farm, she attended Piney Grove School ('52) and was a member of Faison Presbyterian Church. An excellent student, she was a graduate of Meredith College ('56) with a degree in business administration, and went on to teach at the secondary level for 20 years.

On August 3, 1958, Doris married Roland Franklin Parker, an acquaintance from elementary school days whom she'd grown to love through their letters while he served in the US Army in Europe and their subsequent courtship upon his return. They built a home in the Newell community near Charlotte and had one daughter. Roland's work with General Motors eventually took them to Wilmington, NC, Columbia, SC, and finally back to Newell in 1983. During these years Doris taught in several Charlotte area high schools (Newell, Harrisburg, Garinger, and Independence) as well as Hoggard HS in Wilmington.

Doris was also active in the Presbyterian Church and shared her time and talents through playing the piano and organ, singing in the choir, teaching both children and adults, and regularly opening her home for church gatherings.

Doris was a steadfast source of love and encouragement as wife, mother, and eventually grandmother, faithfully attending her grandsons' music recitals, sports tournaments, and school activities even into their college years. She made sure their favorite foods were always in her pantry, kept their favorite books at the ready, and kept a lookout (and tally of) deer sightings in the backyard.

Doris was predeceased by her parents, grandmother, and one brother, Carl Mitchell Daughtry. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Roland; their daughter Susan Parker Shimp (husband John); grandsons Kirk Aubrey Shimp (Charlotte), Henry Franklin Shimp (Austin), and John Parker Shimp (Atlanta); her two sisters Christine Daughtry Beasley and Elizabeth Daughtry Hatch, brother Charles Wade Daughtry, brother-in-law William T Herring, Sr; her wonderful nieces and nephews, and devoted friend Frances Murphy Love.

The family extends its gratitude to Dr. Beth Archer of Huntersville Adult Medicine, Dr. Sima Desai at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation, and most especially to Synergy Homecare for their years of compassion and dedication that allowed Doris to remain at home with her loving husband through it all.

A memorial service will take place Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade St, Charlotte, officiated by the Rev. Mary Bowman. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the music program at First Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are with Tribute and Tallent.