Shirley Parker

Shirley “Gigi” O. (Wallace) Parker, 86, of Martinsville, passed peacefully from this life in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 10, 2024, while in the care of Meadow Lakes Nursing Home in Mooresville. She was born in Anderson, Indiana on August 4, 1937, to the late Virgil and Vera (Clark) Wallace. Raised on a farm, Shirley was the middle child of three and learned the value of hard work and perseverance at a young age, as she was tasked with the chore of milking the cows every morning before school. She attended Markleville High School and found her first job at the local Eastside Dairy Farm where she served freshly made ice cream to customers. Introduced to a handsome young man, Larry, who worked in the back of the operation, it was love at first sight the moment they laid eyes on each other, thus beginning the 70-year love affair. The pair were joyously united in marriage on October 9, 1954 and started their happy family of four, first with the birth of their daughter, Jeanie, then adding Larry Jr. a short time later. Given an acre of land, the couple built their first home in Daleville in 1959, living there until 1976 when both kids finished high school. For a brief period, Shirley was employed with the Defense Center in Indianapolis, before finding her passion as a talented Underwriter for Peck Insurance Agency in Anderson, where she dedicated several years of service, later deservedly retiring. Originally a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Chesterfield, both she and Larry were Sunday School teachers, as well as Bus Drivers. Most recently, she was a member of the Abounding Grace Worship Center in Centerton. Upon retirement, she and Larry became snowbirds, migrating south to the warm and sunny climate of Harry’s Harbor in Winter Haven, FL. The pair loved golfing, and trips to the casino, but Shirley’s true passion was her family. A gentle and kind soul, she enjoyed singing in the church choir, recently karaoke, but above all, she thoroughly reveled in singing to her children and grandchildren. Even toward the end of her life when her memory was fading, she was asked by a nurse on a rare, good day what she was most proud of in life and without hesitation she responded, “being a wife, mother, and gigi”. As one of her grandchildren said, in the darkest of your moments remember her sweet voice saying, “love you a bushel and a peck”. A strong and loving matriarch, she left a legacy of light and love and will be forever missed. Along with her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Welz. She leaves behind her husband, best friend, and soulmate Larry E. Parker of Martinsville; children, Jeanie Harris (Danny) of Martinsville, and Larry D. Parker (Wanda) of Tennessee; brother, Steven Wallace (Alice) of Michigan; brother-in-law, Frank Welz of Chicago; grandchildren, Brianne Simpson (Casey) of Kentucky, Dr. Nathaniel Parker of Connecticut, Steve Abernathy (engaged to Jennifer Olsen) of Whitestown, Neil Harris and Jaedyn Harris, both of Martinsville; along with her great grandchildren, Emilee, Madi, Sloane, Gavon, Eli, and Nick. Visitation will be held from 11:30am to 12:30pm, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, with a half hour of sharing from 12:30pm unit 1pm. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, and Pastor Ken Hayden will officiate a Graveside Service. To upload a picture on Shirley’s tribute wall, share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, sign the online guest registry, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Shirley Parker

August 4, 1937 - March 10, 2024