Joan Kaye Strickland Parker (Mom, JK, Joan Kaye) was born on June 10th, 1941 in Smithfield, NC.  Joan passed away peacefully at home in Florida on November 25, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Roy Strickland and Mary Kate Fulghum Strickland.  She spent her early, formative years by her parents' side, and was often found with her father at his sawmill or behind the family home in Smithfield in the family's tobacco and cotton fields.  She graduated from Smithfield High School in 1959.  In high school, she was an active member of the Drama Club, FTA (Future Teachers of America), Journalism Club, Magazine Sales Contest winner, Decoration Committee, School Marshall, she was part of the play, "I Remember Mama", Assistant Business Manager of "High Times", Mathematics Club, a cheerleader, Glee Club, Homecoming Committee, and Advertising Manager of "The Shield" - the school's annual.  Mom was also voted "Most Popular", along with Jack Broadhurst.

Following graduation from SHS, mom attended Meredith College where she received her BA and became a teacher in the Johnston County School System, teaching combo grades and third grade.  She retired early due to medical reasons, and focused her time 100% to raising her 3 children, Melissa, Mollie, and Walt - the favorite :).

Mom was married to Walton Davis Parker, Jr., also of Smithfield from 1963 until their divorce about 13 years later.  Together, they had mom's three surviving children, daughter Melissa Parker Pilkington (Greg) of Smithfield, daughter Mollie Parker Youngblood (Robby) of Jacksonville, Fla., and son Walt Parker, III (Marie) of Apex.

Mom was so very proud of all of her grandchildren and boasted about their achievements to all who would listen.  All will miss her laughter, her guidance, her positivity, and her overall joy.  Mary Catherine Pilkington Allen (Brandon) of Benson, Kaylie Pilkington Dowless (Josh) of Four Oaks, Courtney Youngblood of Jacksonville, Florida, Robby Youngblood of Jacksonville, Florida, Davis Parker, IV of Greenville, Alexa Parker of Cary, Gabi Carr of Apex.

And, mom was thrilled to welcome three great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.  Mary Claire Allen and Holden Allen (Mary Catherine and Brandon), and Lincoln Dowless (Kaylie and Josh).

In 2006, mom moved to Jacksonville, Florida with Mollie and her family.  She became a very active participant in her church and loved her church family so much.  While she was away from her hometown of Smithfield, she maintained constant communication with her friends and family through phone calls and cards.  Mom's mission was to love on others and did this over and over and over by writing personal cards to all those she loved.

Most of all, mom loved the Lord.  Her relationship with God was by far her foremost accomplishment.  She wanted all to know, love, and trust Him, as much as she did.  She taught grace and forgiveness in her daily life and all who knew her knew her to be a follower of Jesus.  She loved to tell others of His redeeming love.  It gives comfort in knowing that when she passed from this life to the next, she was met by and fell into the loving arms of our Savior.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that to honor mom and her legacy, simply get to know Jesus.  Be patient.  Be kind.  Love others.