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LEWISTON – Evelyn Jernigan Parker, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Hillside Nursing Home in Wake Forest, NC with her family by her side.

Evelyn was born on March 10, 1931 to Joseph Hubert Jernigan and Fannie Burkett Jernigan in Bertie County. She enjoyed a simple farm life with loving parents, three sisters and one baby brother. The wonderful and entertaining stories of her childhood have been enjoyed by the Jernigan family for years. Evelyn knew from a very young age that she wanted to teach school. She lined up her corn shuck dolls and taught them prior to her passion becoming a reality after graduating from East Carolina College. Her first classroom was in Martin County but soon moved to West Bertie Elementary where she taught second and third grades for 30 years. Evelyn taught many of her nieces and nephews, as well as both of her children and most of the children who grew up in Lewiston.

She married the love of her life in July 1954. They were a true example of a loving Christian marriage. After retirement, they enjoyed many winters in Florida to escape the cold and made special friendships that lasted a lifetime. Evelyn was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Lewiston, where she served in several roles, most notably, WMU president and a dedicated deacon for many years. Once widowed, Evelyn moved to Raleigh to be near her daughter Wanda and family. She spent eleven years there where she enjoyed independent living at The Gardens at Wakefield. Evelyn thrived in this environment, enjoying many social activities and making lifelong friends. As her health declined, she moved to assisted living at Hillside Nursing Center in Wake Forest. Evelyn made a lasting impact on so many people including students, family and friends.

Along with her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death first by her son, Allen Parker; her beloved husband, Cecil; sisters, Lacelle Jernigan Parker, Ramona Jernigan Bazemore; and brother, Joe Jernigan.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Wanda Parker Cannady and husband, John of Wake Forest, NC; two granddaughters, Sarah Cannady Moore and husband Hunter of Raleigh and Emily Cannady Vester and husband Ben of Raleigh; three precious great grandsons, Parker, Davis and Anderson Moore of Raleigh; sister, Doyle Jernigan Long of Raleigh; sister-in-law, Priscilla Jernigan of Graceville, Fla; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lewiston, Lewiston, NC with a funeral service beginning at 2 p.m., with Rev. Al Hughson officiating. Burial will follow at Hoggard Memorial Cemetery in Lewiston, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to First Baptist Church of Lewiston, PO Box 294, Lewiston, NC 27849 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/search fund, type-Evelyn Parker

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Parker family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.