Donna Parker

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12:00 pm in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home for Donna Parker, 76, who passed away on November 10, 2024. Father William Schambough, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Milton, will conduct the services. Lector will be her granddaughter, Nicole Parker. Private inurnment services will be in St. Patrick Cemetery #2 in New Orleans.

Visitation will be held Saturday morning between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Donna was born October 3, 1948 to Dr. Philip B. and Esther Polito in Baton Rouge. She was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy of Baton Rouge and attended Loyola University before enjoying a successful real estate career on the North Shore. 

She married the love of her life and soulmate, William A. “Tonybear” Parker, Sr., and their love for each and their mutual faith in God allowed them 49 years of marriage through thick and thin. She and Tony cherished their time living on Lake Lanier and enjoyed exploring the area together. They had two sons: William A. “Tony” Parker, Jr. (Liz) and Leslie N. “Les” Parker. Tony and Les also have a half-sister, Dawn Albin (Brad) who has three children, Spencer, Parker, and Chloe.

Other family members left to mourn her loss are one brother, Philip B. Polito (Ann); four sisters, Faith Barfield, Phyllis Greenblatt (Hoyt), Rose Wooden, and Gloria Schexnayder (Glenn); and four grandchildren Braden, Nicole, George and Rowan.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Donna was beloved by friends and family alike. She had the biggest heart, adored her family and had a deep love for God and her Catholic faith. She was the keeper of all important dates, birthdays, and anniversaries for friends and family. While she struggled with medical challenges most of her life, Donna always put her trust in God no matter the circumstances. And though she could be stubborn at times, this trait, along with her faith in God, helped her find the silver linings in challenging situations and live her life to the fullest. She was a champion of the underdog, and consistently went out of her way to help people. She was ready to go home to God, her husband, and the rest of her family. She will be deeply missed, forever loved in our hearts, and cherished through all the stories and memories she left behind.

The family would like to thank all the compassionate health care providers who took such great care of Donna especially Dr. Dana Dicharry and staff. Special thanks to all her wonderful friends and neighbors who brought so much joy and companionship.

Memorial donations can be made in Donna’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here, or to the Miracle Children's Foundation by clicking here.

Online condolences may be made by scrolling to the guest book below.