Rachel Young Parker

Rachel Young Parker, 82, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 30, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born August 4, 1943 in Rutherford College, NC, to Thomas Daniel and Sadie Lail Young. The family made their homestead in Connelly Springs, NC, where Rachel spent her childhood and youth.
Following her high school graduation, Rachel attended and graduated from Warren Wilson Jr. College. It was soon after that she met the love of her life, Ollie Jackson "Jack" Parker. The two were united in marriage on September 4, 1964.
Rachel and Jack welcomed their first child Anthony "Tony" in 1967, followed by their daughter, Angela in 1970 after they moved to Pensacola, Florida. Pensacola became home for the next 57 years.
Rachel then graduated from Pensacola Junior College with a degree in Nursing. Rachel dedicated nearly 30 years to her career as a Registered nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital. She cherished her work in Critical Care, but truly found her calling in the Cardiovascular (Cath) Lab, where her compassion, skill, and calm presence touched countless lives. Her passion for helping others never faded and left a lasting impression on colleagues, patients and families alike.
Rachel loved God, her family, and her friends. She was a devoted member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for over 55 years. Her message was simple: "I'm going to Heaven, and I want to see you there." She shared the message freely, even witnessing to her nurses in her final days.
Rachel found peace in yard work and in gardening. She looked forward to her visit to her home in NC where she often visited and "played" in the creek where she had so many fond memories as a child. She also enjoyed playing softball in her earlier years and going on several medical mission trips.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Jack, her brothers, David A. Young and Billy J. Young, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Ridgeway.
Survivors include her loyal son Tony Parker (Kari), and her devoted daughter, Angela Gassman (Fred). She was blessed with nine grandchildren and bonus grandchildren-Anthony, Ashleigh, Benny, Emily, Kelcey, Mark, Matthew, Tyler and Viktoria-and two great-grandchildren, Camden and Skylar. She is also survived by her sister, Ruby Y. Marvin (Edward), sisters-in-law Brenda Young and Julia Nelson (Marlon), brother-in-law, Winston Ridgeway, along with numerous nephews and nieces who adored her.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Brother Carl Mock officiating. The family will receive friends at the Chapel from 10:00 AM until the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Disaster Relief Fund Pensacola, FL or to any charity of your choosing.
Rachel lived her life with unwavering faith, deep compassion, and boundless love. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.