Catherine Crews Parker, 95, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Burma David Crews, Sr. and Ola Virginia Puckette Crews; her husband, Robert S. Parker, Sr.; five sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Kendrick of Halifax, VA; and two sons, Robert S. Parker, Jr. (Lennie) of Richmond, and Dr. D. Michael Parker (Donalyn) of Lynchburg; three grandchildren, Christy Lynne Flynn (Patrick), Robert S. Parker, III (Laura), and Shelley Lynne Parker (fiancé, Greg Schuster); eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews who are all very special to her, especially her niece JoAnne Hackworth and good friend Beth Gladwell.
Catherine was a long time member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford. She was a graduate of Longwood College and taught many years in the counties of Nasemond and Halifax, and in the City of Bedford, where she retired. She was a member of the Otterburn Garden Club and a life member of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. She won many awards during her active years in the club. You could often find her in her garden growing and arranging flowers. She always had fresh flowers on her table at mealtimes. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her club friends and was considered to be a good player. Catherine never lost her sense of humor. She often spoke of the gracious visits she had from some of her younger Bedford friends. She was truly an \"ole Virginia Lady\". God, family, education, good manners, and her southern roots were very important to her. She loved her family very much. She will be missed but not forgotten.
It was her desire that, in place of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, www.fsma.org.
A Graveside service will be conducted 11 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2012, in Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass, Jr. officiating. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, (540)-586-3443.