Anita Claire Parker

Anita Parker, 88, of Jonesboro, died Thursday after a brief illness in Little Rock. She was the widow of the Honorable Olan Parker, Jr. She was a graduate of Christian College in Columbia, Missouri and the University of Iowa, after which she lived in Chicago working in theater, radio, and experimental network television. During World War II she was a field service representative for the Red Cross for Craighead County while her husband was overseas. She was a charter member of the Jonesboro Junior Auxiliary, a board member of the Craighead County Public Library, and a founding member and first president of the St. Bernard’s Hospital Auxiliary, and was a Justice of the Peace for Craighead County. After her children were grown she owned and operated a newcomers greeting service with local retail merchants. She was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church her whole life.

In addition to her husband of 52 years, she is preceded in death by her mother Werdna Latourette, her father Dr. Ewell Pollett, her step-father, P.M. Latourette, and her step-brothers, P.N. Latourette and Harry Latourette, all of Jonesboro.

She is survived by her sister Marie Parker and brother-in-law Herbert Parker, one daughter, Claire Nix, all of Jonesboro, a grandson, Jason Nix and his wife Ashlee of New Orleans, a granddaughter, Jessica Nix of Athens, Georgia, and her son, Chris Parker, his wife Lynn and three granddaughters, Sarah Parker, Anna Parker, and Rachel Parker, all of Little Rock.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 23, 2007 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jonesboro at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The family will be at 1410 Elmwood.

Honorary pallbearers will be Members of the Monday Night Potluck, Wheat, and Finesse.

Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

For lasting memorials, the family requests that consideration be given to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 531 W. College, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401 or a charity of your choice.