Linda Faye Parker

Linda Faye Parker, beloved wife, mother, Mimi, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. She was born Linda Faye Watson in Harrisburg, Georgia, on August 28, 1940. She graduated from Auburndale High School and later studied real estate and accounting at Polk Community College.

Linda married the love of her life, Roger E. Parker, on August 8, 1959, and they raised their two children in Auburndale, Florida, and Conway, Arkansas. She was a loving, active mother and served as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Brownie, and Girl Scout leader, attended every game and performance, and was the biggest cheerleader for her children. She treasured memories of family vacations on Little Gasparilla Island in Florida and loved spending time with her grandchildren, who she loved “to the moon and back.” She enjoyed painting, traveling with her husband, and visiting family. She usually said hello and goodbye with a hug and a perfectly Southern “I love you more.” Linda lovingly mentored and encouraged many throughout her life and was known for her strength and loyalty. She cherished lifelong friendships, especially her childhood girlfriends, and constantly made new friends.

She enjoyed a diverse and accomplished professional life. She was the first woman fashion buyer for Montgomery Ward, Director of Personnel for Polyvend, Inc., Vice President of Administration and Human Resources for ZZYZZX Technologies, Inc., Human Resources Manager at Talon Constructors, Inc., and served as Partner and Secretary/Treasurer of Parker Entertainment LLC. She assisted her husband in his position as Division QA/QC Manager at Schueck Steel/Lexicon, Inc. before retiring in 2016, leaving a legacy of professionalism and dedication. She also served as President of the Auburndale Junior Women’s Club and was a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the American Society for Personnel Administration, and Women in ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors).

Linda is survived by her daughter, Gina Lea Parker-Lawton; her son, Bret Cameron (Wendy) Parker; her four grandchildren, Kyra Christiaan Lawton, Christian Isaiah Lawton, Zoe Danae Grace Lawton, and Melissa Ann Parker; and her God-family, Sharyl Leverich and Devin Swift.

Also survived by sister, Joan (William) Bray and sister-in-law, Dorothy (William) Parker; nephews and nieces, Lyle Keith Hedley, Lee Clinton (Sandy) Watson, Roy (Dennis) Seibold, Lanita (Buzz) Allen, Christie (David) Anderson, Dawn Renae (David) Unger, Pam Parker (Jeff) Hicks, and Vic Parker; and great-nephews and great-nieces, Ryan (Jessica) Gibson, Beau Gibson, Brandon Gibson, Jonathan (Leanne) Watson, Amy Watson Ward, Amanda (Jason) Thompson, Sam Anderson, Adam Anderson, David Unger Jr., and more great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Roger E. Parker; her parents, Robert and Mary Lou Watson; her siblings, Robert “Buddy” Watson, William Watson, Thomas Watson, and Lou Ellen Hedley; and other beloved family.

A sweet, private memorial was held by her daughter and her children on a beautiful spring day in April, and she was peacefully laid to rest beside her husband at Nashville National Military Cemetery in Madison, Tennessee. She will be forever missed and never forgotten. In honor of Linda’s life and legacy, memorial gifts are gratefully accepted for the Beauty Justice Project at pay.beautyjusticeproject.org to help them continue to assist survivors of domestic violence and child abuse.