Dorothy Mae Parker, 92-years-old, returned to her forever home on Monday, November 30, 2020, at her home in Madison, Mississippi surrounded by her family. Her unwavering faith in God, strong will to live and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through the final mile of her earthly journey. Even throughout her final moments, she pointed all those who surrounded her to the true love of her life – her “Sweet Jesus.” “Meme” to so many, she lived a life so well-lived that her family celebrates her legacy knowing that our Meme entered into God’s presence where she was greeted with “well done good and faithful servant.” Dorothy was born on May 31, 1928 in Rose Hill, Mississippi to Emmett and Ala Mae Murray. After graduating from Rose Hill High School, she met her sweetheart, John E. Parker. The couple was married on April 8, 1948 in Meridian, Mississippi. Married for 49 years, John and Dorothy raised their 3 children, Belinda, Murray and Tina in Meridian, Mississippi. Born with a true servant’s heart, Dorothy faithfully cared for her family and many other families daily always placing their needs above her own. Meme would remind anyone she met that “family is my greatest gift.” A woman of unwavering faith and the heart of the Parker family, Meme greatly influenced her family’s faith by her tireless Christian example. The family often reflects on Proverbs 31, The Virtuous Woman, as a beautiful description of their Meme: Our Meme was a wife of noble character worth far more than rubies. Our Meme’s husband, John (to his family, “Pop”), had full confidence in her each day of his life. She served him tirelessly with gladness, faithfulness and joy as he walked his journey home enduring Alzheimer’s disease. Our Meme worked long after the sun set and before the sun rose before to work for her family. Whether it was sewing a new outfit, a new great-grandbaby’s Christening gown, returning to her job as a librarian, or baking for a neighbor, she provided for her family and ensured a gracious plenty remained for anyone in need. Our Meme was generous to those in need. She extended her hands, shared her talents and opened her kitchen to anyone in need of food, help or a hug. Our Meme trusted all to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No matter the storm life brought, our Meme walked without fear for her household as she knew her house was in the hands of the Lord. Our Meme walked each day with high integrity. “Murray” and “Parker” were not just names to our Meme – they were callings on her life and she ensured that her life would continue to be one worthy of respect and trust. Our Meme was clothed in silk, strength and dignity all the days of her life. Hers was not an easy life; but she did not worry or live with anxiousness at the thought of the future or the lack of answers. Our Meme held herself with grace and trusted her every step to her Father always. Our Meme blessed us with the wisdom she gained from her Father in Heaven. No matter the conversation or time, she feared the Lord, instructed all in scripture and pointed us towards her “Sweet Jesus.” Truly, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things, but our Meme was special and her family forever says “Thanks be to God.” Meme was predeceased by her loving husband, John E. Parker and her parents Emmett and Ala Mae Murray. She is survived by her family who will love and carry her with them always: Belinda (Parker) and Jerry Gibson, Murray and Freda (Richardson) Parker and Tina (Parker) and Bruce Bancroft; grandchildren: Anna (Gibson) and Jay Stroble, Brian and Heather (Carr) Gibson, Angela (Parker) and Ronnie Murray, Sloan (Bancroft) and Ty Trammel and Trinity Bancroft; great-grandchildren: Ansley, Emma Kate and Charlotte Poole; Halle, Bella and Liam Gibson; Ella Rose and Roman John Murray; siblings: Emmett and Margaret Murray, and Katherine Conner. Due to the concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and high-risk family members, the family will celebrate their Meme’s life in private at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, County Road 5133, Rose Hill, Mississippi, on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11 a.m. Pallbearers include: Brian Gibson, Jay Stroble, Ronnie Murray, Ty Trammel, and Joel Thames. In lieu of attendance or flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter – P.O. Box 456, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually, but including: Hospice Ministries– Hannah Jackson, LaShunda Hayman and Michele Faulkner, family and friends – either through prayer and/or visits and neighbors. Our Meme will forever be cherished as an angel on earth that walked beside us with kindness, shared her contagious laughter and loved Jesus and family above all else. As her family continues to cherish their Meme’s life, they will often hold close the words of Philippians 1:3: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”