Dorothy Mae Parker, 88 of Whitwell passed away at her home surrounded by family after a brief illness on Wednesday, December 24. Born on June 21, 1937 in Whitwell, she was the daughter of Charles Robert Anderson and Sarah Culpepper Anderson. Dorothy was married to the late J. C. Parker, with whom she shared a life with built on love, faith, and family. A devoted member of Mineral Springs Church of God, she lived her faith quietly and sincerely, touching the lives of all who knew her. She had a gift for creating beauty and comfort every day. Dorothy loved to cook, work in her flowers, crochet, quilt, and preserve the harvest from her garden, everything she made was an expression of her care. Above all, Dorothy cherished her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent with them. Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and steadfast faith. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her father Charles Robert Anderson, mother Sarah Culpepper Anderson, husband J. C. Parker, sister Daisy Snipes, and Gladys Spangler, who Dorothy was best friends with for 60 years.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Joan (Hal) Davis, Frances (Robert) Kelly and Gail (Tim) Murphy, sisters Mary (Bob) Layne, Dean (Ronnie) Layne and Louise Ramsey, grandchildren Ryan (Cam) Lambert, Joe (Erika) Kelly, Ben (Courtney) Murphy, Jake (Harlie) Murphy and Haley (Matt) Zeman, great grandchildren Mackenzie, Tucker, Braelyn, Addi, Cyrus, Claire, and Josie who is on the way, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family held visitation on Monday, December 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper.
Funeral services were also held on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, with Pastor Doug Ramsey and Deacon Terry Murphy who officiated.
Dorothy was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 30 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper, immediately after the funeral services were held.
Pallbearers were Ryan Lambert, Joe Kelly, Ben Murphy, Jake Murphy, Matt Zeman and Carter West, with honorary pallbearers being Andy Cooper and Johnny Spangler.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347.
The Marion Tribune – January 1, 2026