Norma Dunnam Parker

Mrs. Norma Dunnam Parker, 81, of Buena Vista, passed away at Columbus Hospice House on August 19, 2023.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Brantley Church with Rev. David Chapman officiating. Pallbearers will be Frank Hendricks, Stanley Goodroe, Robert Price, Ricky Carnegie, Josh Hendricks, and Jeff Yepez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Pop Miller, Clint Owens, Alton Powell, and Jose Rios. The family will greet friends at Way-Watson Funeral Home in Buena Vista on Monday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Parker was born April 26, 1942 in Columbus, MS to Norman M. and Norma O’Neal Dunnam.  She was a member of Brantley Church.  Mrs. Parker began her career in education after high school, where she attended Hines Junior College, University of Southern Mississippi and eventually graduating with a Master’s Degree from Auburn University. She would go on to serve as librarian for DeKalb High School, Kendrick High School and Shaw High School for 32 years before her retirement. After retirement, she began working as a substitute teacher for the Marion County School System and also worked in all of the county offices at one point or another. Mrs. Parker loved being around people and was always engaging with them.  She never met a stranger.  She also enjoyed traveling with her family, reading, gardening and deer hunting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William F. Dunnam and Richard Glenn Dunnam; and a sister, Catherine Suggs.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 59 years, Dennis Parker of Buena Vista and her beloved son, John Martin Parker of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Brantley Church Cemetery Fund, 4265 GA Hwy 355, Buena Vista, GA 31803.