Marilyn Joy Parker (Tucker)

Marilyn Joy Parker (Tucker), of Covington, was born on April 21, 1954, in Atlanta, GA. Having lived a short life of 69 years, she left this world peacefully, as her family surrounded her on Saturday, July 29, 2023.  She is now experiencing the wonders of heaven and has been reunited with those who went before her.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Louise Tucker; her brother, Scott Tucker; and baby sister, Lisa Tucker.

Joy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Tommy Parker; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Amy Parker; daughter and son-in-law, Renee and John Henderson; brother and sister-in-law, Lanny and Laura Tucker; sisters-in-law, Barbara Bankston, Nancy Parker, and Jean Tucker; and stepmother, Geneva Tucker.  She also leaves behind her nephews, Shannon (Brenda) Tucker, Jeremy (Brandy) Tucker, Devin Tucker, and niece Brittany (Zack) Hilty.  Her pride and joy were her grandbabies, Meredith Parker, Natalie Henderson, Gavin Parker, and Chance Henderson.

Joy was known for her big blue eyes, always having her makeup on, having her hair fixed, and loved painting her nails. She loved renting cabins in the mountains with Tommy, and more than anything, spending time with her family every chance she could.  Joy enjoyed cooking and finding recipes of new things to try.

She was a very nurturing and devoted mother, as she stayed home to raise her children.  As an expression of the love she had for children, she would keep children in her home from time to time.  She also taught the Nursery Sunday School class at Oxford Baptist Church for over 30 years.  Once her children were in school, Joy became a substitute teacher for Newton County Schools for over 20 years.  The greatest gift she gave and the most enjoyable times she had was when she kept her four grandbabies daily, from the time they were born until they all started school.

Joy was a very sweet woman, with a generous and giving soul.  She was willing to help people any way she could, even if it meant she would be without.  She was the queen of southern hospitality and if you left her house hungry or thirsty it would be your own fault.  She always welcomed people in her home, and she probably would tell you... “Come in, if you can get in.  You’ll have to excuse my messy house.”

Weighing only 3 pounds at birth, her Granddaddy Bice said she would never make it.  As a fighter and a humble caregiver, she went on to take care of her granddaddy and several other family members.  As a lover of animals, she also cared for and raised a variety of pets throughout her life.

Joy will be greatly missed and there will be a hole in the hearts of those that loved her most and were closest to her.  This world lost an amazing woman, but Heaven definitely gained an angel.

A Funeral Service for Mrs. Parker will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. Kevin Wilhite and Dr. Alan Posey officiating and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, Tuesday, August 1, from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Flowers are accepted, or donations can be made to Oxford Baptist Church, PO Box 128, Oxford, GA 30054.