Colleen Cook Parker

Colleen Yvonne Cook Parker, 81 passed away at home while surrounded by her family. The youngest of fourteen children, she was born on July 2, 1937 in Iredell County to Robert Lee Cook and Vertie Viola Anderson Cook. In addition to her parents, Colleen was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Max Allen Parker; four brothers, James Cook, Edgar Cook, Robert Cook, and Charles Cook; eight sisters, Effie Joyner, Evelyn Groce, Mary Adams, Cleo Steelman, Lottie Bracken, Martha Osterhout, Margaret McCaskill, Rachel Barnard; and a special niece, Ruth Sidbury. She is survived by her three daughters, Sheila Mosteller (Brian), Robin Holt (Greg), and Melissa Bartlett (Daniel); five grandchildren, Cody Mosteller (Sarah), Kristin Parks, Enya Schumacher (Darik), Ethan Bartlett, Taylor Renegar (Kyle); four great grandchildren, Calib Dobbins, Keely Brown, Brody Renegar, and Baby Schumacher; and her exchange student and honorary daughter, Lisbeth Bergsvenkerud; as well as many, many beloved nieces and nephews. In her life, Colleen was the embodiment of kindness, humility, generosity, and love. Her smile eased one’s pain and her hugs cured all of life’s problems. She spent her life in service to others. She nurtured and cared for many children in the community and in her church, as well as all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many of them now adults with their own children, fondly remember her loving embraces, gentle soul, and peanut butter crackers. Her days will forever be remembered for carefully tending her garden, sewing masterpieces, and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved spending holidays with her family and gathering annually with her extended family. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, daughter, and friend. She was a great listener and was always concerned for the wellbeing of others – always putting others first. She was Max Parker’s perfect match and his princess, from the first moment he saw her until the day he went to heaven. He cherished and protected her as she cherished and protected him. They were the epitome of Christianity, love, commitment, perseverance, and faith. Coleen was a devoted member of Courtney Baptist Church where she cherished her church family and enjoyed the Sunshine Club adventures. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her will forever remember her sweet spirit. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkinville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 13, at Courtney Baptist Church with Rev. James Williams and Dr. Richard Capps officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family extends their gratitude and special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice, CNA Services, and a host of wonderful caregivers. Thank you for all the care and love you shared with mom and our family during her illness. Memorials in honor of Colleen may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice or the Glioblastoma Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.