Gwen (Cole) Parker

Mrs. Gwen Cole Parker, 75, of Scranton, widow of Vernon Watson Parker, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at her residence.

Mrs. Parker was born on November 4, 1949, in Williamsburg County, daughter of the late David James Cole and Jo Ann Phillips Smith. A graduate of Hebron High School, she attended Carolina College of Commerce before earning her bachelor’s degree from Francis Marion University. She furthered her education at the University of South Carolina, where she obtained both a Master’s Specialist degree and a PhD. Mrs. Parker was a former member of Lake City Pentecostal Holiness Church and attended Grace & Glory Ministries. She dedicated her career to education, teaching for Florence School District 1, and also served as a financial advisor for Edward Jones. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a dedicated community leader. She served as past president of both the Lions Club of Lake City and Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additionally, she was a board member of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church Foundation.

Surviving are her daughter, Stacey Lynn Parker of Scranton; special uncle, Jimmy Phillips of Hebron.

Mrs. Parker was preceded in death by her son, Mart Vernon Parker; step-father, Francis B. “Smitty” Smith; sisters, Mary Cole Satterfield and Linda Cole Mitchell.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Carolina Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Carolina Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Lake City Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Grace & Glory Ministries, PO Box 70, Coward, SC 29530.

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