Loretta Parker

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With humble grace and a spirit that touched all those she encountered, Loretta Fay Parker (Miller) departed this world on February 3, 2024. Born on January 9, 1926, Loretta was a lifelong resident of Carthage and Webb City, Missouri, where she made an indelible impact on her community with her loving and supportive nature. As one of Webb City's most cherished residents, she was known not only for her exceptional floral design skills but also for her dedication to nurturing the joy in the lives of those around her.

As a florist for over 60 years, Loretta's life was a beautiful arrangement of service, creativity, and love. She owned Webb City Florist from 1968-1992 and also worked at Florette Florist in Carthage for six years. She was an excellent seamstress, teaching sewing to the 4-H children and her Sunday School class, and was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and several square dancing clubs. 

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Loretta lived her life embodying this philosophy, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Loretta was a devoted wife to Mervin Parker for 69 years. Their enduring love story was the foundation of their family, and it served as a testament to the strength and depth of their commitment. Loretta was the heart of every family gathering, making Thanksgiving and Christmas special occasions for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love for square dancing took her to national conventions for many years alongside her husband.

Loretta is survived by her children Kenneth (Pam) Parker, Lynnette (Tom) Shelley, and Mark (Ann) Parker; a sister Jeanette Hill, grandchildren Karie (Rob) Mullins, Kent (Rachel) Parker, Eric (Jenny) Parker, Chase (Nicole) Shelley, Kelsey (Matt) Dibas, and Kassie (Wrangler) Haws; along with 13 great-grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mervin Parker, her parents, Jacob and Bessie Miller, and her siblings, Lois Reed and Royce Miller.

Funeral services for Loretta will be held 2pm on Friday, February 9th at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, with a visitation from Noon until service time. Graveside services will then be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Karensue Hensley. Those honoring Loretta by serving as casket bearers include Kent Parker, Eric Parker, Chase Shelley, Matt Dibas, Wrangler Haws, Dennis Reed and Chris Reed.

In celebrating Loretta's remarkable life, we are reminded of a quote by Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Loretta was a beacon of love and kindness, and she will be remembered for the warmth and comfort she brought to everyone she met.

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Loretta. Her spirit will live on through the stories we share and the memories we cherish.