Sandra Lee Parker

1946 - 2026

Sandra Lee Bryson Parker, 79, of Hayesville, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, 2026 surrounded by her family at Hacienda Del Ray Assisted Living and Memory Care Center in Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Sandra was born on Aug. 20, 1946 in Brevard, N.C. to Roy Glenn Bryson and Minnie Leota Stepp Bryson. She was a devoted Christian woman who faithfully lived out her beliefs through compassion, service and unwavering love for others. Her faith was the foundation of her life and she never missed an opportunity to share her beliefs. Above all, she cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Oscar "Butch" Parker; her four sisters, Mary Francis McCall and husband, Burley, Betty Ann Smith and husband, Bill, Barbara Wilde and Shirley Elaine Wright and husband, Roy; and her companion of 20 years, Junior Guffie. She was also preceded in death by her beloved parents-in-law, Clarence and Bonnie Parker, and several brothers and sisters-in-laws from the Parker family.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Kim Parker Sherlin and husband, Edward of Buckeye, Ariz.; her son, Mitchell Parker and wife, Kimmi of Cullman, Ala.; four grandchildren, Brandon Berry, Brianna Sherlin Dyck and husband, Jeff, Bryson Parker and wife, Sarah, and Brayden Parker and one great-granddaughter, Emma Alexis Dyck. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Ronnie Smith, whose steadfast love and care meant so much to her, especially in the years following her husband's passing. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Sandra was a lifelong resident of North Carolina. She grew up in Brevard and spent most of her adult life in Hayesville, where she built deep roots in both her church and community. She was a devoted member of Downings Creek Baptist Church and sang in the choir for many years. Known for her kindness, gentle spirit and steadfast support of her family, Sandra found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Family and church were always her highest priorities.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Downings Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Steve Armstrong and Keith Nuckolls officiating. Music will be provided by Morgan Budzinski and Charlene Smith. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Berry, Bryson and Brayden Parker, Jeff Dyck, Andy and Eric Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Downings Creek Baptist Church deacons, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Downings Creek Baptist Church in Hayesville prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sandra Lee Bryson Parker to Downings Creek Baptist Church, 424 Downings Creek Road, Hayesville, N.C. 28904 or Union Hill Cemetery Fund c/o Mary Nichols, 219 Cold Branch Road, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville: iviefuneralhome.com is in charge of all arrangements.