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Obituary For Ophelia Smith Parker
The funeral services for the late Mrs. Ophelia Smith Parker, who departed this life on Sunday, November 23, 2025, will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Jones Chapel AME Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Pastor Ronnie Banks, New Vision Worship Center, Sylvester, GA, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia.
Sister Ophelia Smith Parker was born October 21, 1928, in Doerun, Georgia. She was the third of seven children born to the late James and Lizzie Toles Smith. She was reared in a Christian home steeped in love and a strong work ethic. Ophelia joined the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She was educated in Worth County church schools and is a proud member of the Oak Hill High School Class of 1946.
Ophelia lived a beautiful life full of love and adventure. After graduating high school, she moved to Newark, New Jersey, following her older sister and brother. She worked in a jewelry factory and developed a lifelong love for fancy jewelry and beautiful accessories. After an especially chilly winter, Ophelia return to the warmth of southern Georgia.
On April 14, 1949, Ophelia married Wesley Parker, one of Worth County’s most eligible bachelors. She easily filled the role of a farmer’s wife and helper. Their union was blessed with a quiver full—six boys and six girls. After marriage, she moved her membership to the Mt. Olive #2 Baptist Church in Sumner to worship with her husband. When he was ordained as a deacon in the 1950s, she was consecrated as a deaconess alongside him. Deaconess Parker worked faithfully in multiple roles and helped to shepherd the youth through many Easter programs and Sunday School events. She served Mt. Olive #2 faithfully for over 76 years, most recently serving as Mother of the Church until her death.
Mother Parker transitioned to glory on November 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, husband, daughter, Ms. Arneda Parker; siblings: Maggie Spencer, Ben Alford Smith, Eloise Milton, Daniel Smith, Effie M. Askew, and Mattie B. Smith; and sons-in-law: Charles Sanders, Ulysses Lauderdale, and Samuel Young.
Mother Parker leaves a considerable legacy to 11 devoted children: Catherine Sanders, Seanie Lauderdale, Joseph (Helen) Parker, Deborah Young, Randall (Eula Jean) Parker, Julious (Annie) Parker, Daniel (Etta Denise) Parker, Anthony Parker, Marcia (Richard) Taylor, Jeffrey (Angie) Parker and Tuwanda Parker; 21 grandchildren: Charles, Wesley, Ashley, Alicia, Shamel, Joshua, Kamilia, Chasley, Samuel, Sharita, Marcus, Brittney, Angelica, Aubrey, Patrick, James, Amber, Anitra, Kishantevia, Jaliyah, Jamiyah; and 15 great grandchildren: Maria, Antonio, Theodore, Mia, Quinlan, Sahmari, Camiya, Kiara, Takiera, Ande, Amir, Elle, Amari, Malachi, and Jahmir.
Mother Parker also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and treasured friends to cherish her 97-year legacy.
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Anita Herman sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 28, 2025
Howard G Smith sent Red and White Handled Basket for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 28, 2025
Helen J. Chambers sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 28, 2025
Marfett Wellons sent Sweet Moments for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 27, 2025
Etta Willson sent Red and White Floor Basket for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 27, 2025
Dorothy M Young sent Pink Tribute Spray for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 25, 2025
Eugene Hunter sent The Peace Lily for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 25, 2025
Kristi Brown sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 25, 2025
Aileen D Counts sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Ophelia Smith Parker - November 25, 2025
My deepest sympathies on your loss.
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To the family of Mrs Senni & Detective Alicia Lauderdale, praying that God comforts you and your family as you mourn the loss of your Mother & Grandmother. May God wrap you in his love and give you peace that surpass all understanding. While there are no perfect words for your loss, My family is praying for you and the entire Smith Parker family that God comforts your heart and give you the strength to carry you through this season.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends Grover McCullors
Jeff, our prayers are with you and your family during this time of bereavement.
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mother Ophelia Parker. I will always remember her sweet and gentle spirit and her kindness towards me. Please know that you are in my prayers during this most difficult time. Helen Chambers
Condolences to the families and friends may God bless you with peace strength courage and understanding and may she rest in heavenly peace
Family, you have my deepest condolences for your loss! Another Patriot gone to be with the Lord. She was amazing and always remembered me when I was in her presence!
The family has my deepest sympathy. Mrs Parker was Avery jolly person she lived a good life. May God continue to strengthen you at this time. 🙏🙏
Family🙏🏽 May God's loving presence comfort you, Our prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your Mother.🌹
Try to remember the little things, the shared smiles, the warm hugs, the laughter. The pain and sadness might seem unbearable now, but in time, you will find happiness again through these memories. My thoughts are with you always.
My deepest sympathy to the Parker family.
On behalf on my family, the Wilbons and our family reunion, The Wilbon-Rabon Reunion, I offer condolences to our family. Cousin Ophelia is a relative from the Wilbon branch of our family tree. She was in attendance at our first Wilbon-Rabon Reunion Gathering in 1987, in Bronwood, GA. RIP- Rest in Peace Cousin Ophelia 🕊️.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
