Virginia Lea Parker
October 6, 1945 – June 4, 2023
Raleigh – Virginia (Ginny) Lea Parker, 77, transitioned from this life on Sunday. She was born in Newport News, VA to the late Benjamin G. and Margaret Bell Parker Jr. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, B. G. and Cindy Parker, and maternal grandparents, Fred and Ford Lea.
She is survived by her cousins, Linda Dunn of Rock Hill, SC, Kathie Butler (Johnny) of Kingsport, TN, AL Robbins (Ellen) of Garden City, SC, and her devoted friends, Teresa and Van Langley. Ginny was blessed to have many friends that loved her and were a part of her life. Special thanks to John Dole, John Buettner, and the staff of Heritage Rolesville for their love and care.
Ginny retired from the North Carolina Department of Revenue after 30 years of service. She was an avid gardener. As a member of the Raleigh Garden Club, Ginny served as president from 2008 – 2010. She was also a standing member of the Embroiderers Guild of America, the Herb Society of Wake County, Gardeners of Wake as well as several other organizations.
Ginny was a lifelong member of Wesley Memorial UMC where she served in many leadership roles. Her involvement in the annual church BBQ was one of her favorite events. Her father, Ben, served as an officer in the Raleigh Police Department. His involvement led her to have an endearing admiration for all the men & women who served in the RPD. She loved the beach music band The Embers and could be found at many of their events where she could sing along with every song and when possible shagged to her favorite tunes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 714 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Raleigh NC 27608 or to Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern NC Chapter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com
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Ginny was a friend for a couple of decades at the Dept. of Revenue. We worked together at many of
the State Employees Association of NC.functions. Never met a finer person.
The Raleigh Garden Club and Gardeners of Wake County have lost an enthusiastic, wildly successful gardener. In her garden were many fortunate plants, all nurtured to realize their potential. At any flower show she entered, you would be sure to see Ginny at the end, carrying a bouquet of ribbons (mostly blue) and top-award rosettes. She seemed to know exactly what each plant needed and did her best to provide it. She was generous with her successful horticultural advice. We will miss Ginny and her beautiful plants!
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