Shirley Parker Obituary

The family of Shirley Ann Parker of Sylva, NC is saddened to announce her passing on Sunday, August 10th at Harris Regional Hospital. Shirley was born February 17, 1949, in Murphy, NC. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Lassie Bryant.

Shirley was a force of nature, known for her sassy and ornery personality which would make people laugh or make them nuts. Once you met her you couldn’t help but love her. She loved spending time and having adventures with her granddaughter Amber (the baby) and enjoyed her time with her great-grandkids Troy & Josie. She loved getting visits from her furry grand dogs, Stitch, Chewie, and Banjo and loved her “Elvis Presley” music. The last few years she made her home at Skyland Care Center. Melissa Dills and her entire staff became like family to her. They would call her “spicy” which the entire family knew why. She enjoyed playing bingo, going to concerts, and spending time with her roommate Barbara Carolyn Coggins.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by 6 siblings, JR Bryant, Buford Bryant, Betty Hopkins, Bonnie Davis, JC Bryant and Walter Bryant.

She is survived by her husband Bobby Ray Parker, daughter Elaine McFalls (Larry), grandkids Amber Moss, Darren McFalls (Nicole), Jessica McFalls Woods, and great-grandkids Troy McFalls and Josie McFalls.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. Rev. Michael Queen and Rev. Eddie Stillwell will be officiating. Burial will follow at Stillwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 prior to the service at the funeral home. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to Melissa Dills and the entire staff at Skyland Care Center for all the wonderful care and love they showed her. We consider them as her additional family, and we will be forever grateful for them.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Skyland Care Center Van Fund at 193 Asheville Hwy, Sylva, NC 28779.