Dolores Jean Parker, 90, of Canton, Georgia, was called home to be with the Lord on August 17, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy defined by the deep love she had for her family—a devotion that radiated through her bright smile.

Laurie was born in Highland, Illinois, on May 18, 1936, to the late Eldo and Mildred Pfister. She was the second of six children. Laurie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray and her sisters, Jane (Bill) Stieb and Shirley Gruenenfelder. She is survived by her sister, Ruth (Jerry) Voegele: Brenda (Jeff) Hebrank: her son, Mike (Jean) Parker: and daughter, Cindy (Cliff) Austin.

After graduating high school, Laurie worked at a bank in St. Louis as a Savings Bond Clerk. She met the love of her life, Ray, while out dancing at Lolly’s with friends. After a quick three-month courtship, they were married. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, and his career took them all over the world over the next twenty years.

During that time, Laurie worked for the federal government across various agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Base Exchange, and Social Security. She attended college to learn sign language for the deaf and became a sign language interpreter. After Ray’s retirement from the USAF, the family moved to Raleigh, NC where Laurie began working for NIEHS in the Research Triangle Park. She served as a secretary for scientists at until her retirement in 1997.

While in Raleigh, Laurie devoted her free time to being a Girl Scout Leader, a Youth Group Leader for teens at St. Giles Presbyterian Church and arranging weekly visits to Veterans in the VA Hospital in Durham - just to name a few. She was a devoted Christian and loved her church family. It was in 2017 that she and Ray moved to Georgia to be close to her daughter and family. She leaves behind her most special caregivers, Iris and Sherrod Jenkins.

Laurie loved arts and crafts, cooking, playing cards, and traveling, but above all, she cherished her role as "Naanie" to her grandkids. She was a generous woman who welcomed everyone into her heart, adopting many as her own. She was a loving grandmother to Parker (Renee) Austin, Kailey (Jackson) Austin, Laura Catherwood and Mary (Charles) Manning. She was also a proud great-grandmother to four: MacKenzie, Kelsey (Josh), Avery and Maggie (Vanessa). Her legacy also lives on through her beloved nieces and nephews.

God blessed us with a strong, wise woman who helped shape our lives. The example she set will continue to resonate for generations to come. Though her earthly journey is complete, her family finds peace in knowing she has been reunited with loved ones.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Thursday, September 3rd at 11:30 AM at Darby Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:30. Cars will be lined up and a procession to the Georgia National Cemetery will leave the funeral home promptly at 1:30 where she will join her husband Ray. The family will receive visitors at the Austin home.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Hospice in your area or the Georgia Association for the Deaf.

Arrangements are being handled by Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA.