Mary Parker

Mrs. Mary Bates Parker, 83 of Buena Vista, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Columbus Hospice House.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:30 AM in Buena Vista Cemetery with Rev. Chris Hess officiating. Pallbearers will be Dan Jones, Clifford Waller, Joey Wells, John Martin Parker, Ricky Singleton, and Tee Renard. Honorary pallbearer is Billy Joe Waller.

Mrs. Parker was born April 27, 1939 in Talbot County, GA to Oscar G. and Allene Virginia Culpepper Bates.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Buena Vista.  Mrs. Parker loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed reading and adored animals.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Betty Harvey, Gilbert Olson, Christina Prather and Janie Willis.

Survivors include her two daughters, Sandy Leonard and Debbie Studdard; two grandchildren, Robbie Bell (Tamsyn) and Dustin Bell (Shantel Danielle); great-grandchildren, Hannah Bell, Zoey Bell, Kaleigh Bell, Audrey Bell, Mason Bell, and Janie Chambliss; two sisters, Cecilia Messimer and Francis Forrester; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Norma Parker; and a nephew, John Martin Parker.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in her memory to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com or to PAWS Humane at www.pawshumane.org

Way-Watson Funeral Home of Buena Vista, GA, has been entrusted with the arrangements.