Lela Elizabeth Dobbins Parker

Lela Elizabeth Dobbins Parker, 80, was called home to be with her Lord on November 23, 2025, while at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice House in Dobson. She was born on November 19, 1945, to the late John Frank Dobbins and Adeline Hutchens Dobbins. Lela lived her entire life in the Courtney area off of Old Stage Road, Yadkinville.

A lifelong member of Turners Creek Baptist Church, Lela's salvation and faith were central to her life. She served her church faithfully in many roles over the years and loved being part of its fellowship and ministry. Lela also dedicated more than two decades of service to Courtney Elementary School, where she deeply valued the friendships, she made and the students she supported. Above all, Lela was a devoted wife to her husband, a loving mother to her five children, and a blessing to her grandchildren, other family members, and dear friends. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family - playing games, sharing stories, and preparing meals that brought everyone together. Her family depended on her for sound wisdom and constant prayers, and she will always be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, and the deep love she poured into her family, church, and community. Lela's favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

She is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel "S.D." Parker, Jr., whom she was married to for 46 years, and her daughter-in-law, Inge B. Parker. She is survived by her children: Cregg (Karen) Parker, Chris Parker, Nikki (Randy) Williams, Aaron (Gary) Parker, and April (Billy) Hester; grandchildren: Nathan (Ashley) Parker, Drew (Jessica) Parker, Landon (McKenzie) Parker, Savanna (Drew) Spaan, Austin Williams, Ashlyn Williams, Adeline Maynard, Anderson Collins, and Avalie Hester; step-grandchildren: Kristen Morgan and Hannah (Colt) Morgan-Russell; great-grandchildren: Luke Parker, Lanie Parker, Sawyer Spaan, and Brody Parker; and step great-grandchild: Taj Rogers. She is also survived by her sister Nellie (Jimmy) Sizemore and her brother Wayne Dobbins.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Turners Creek Baptist Church. Her celebration of life service will follow the visitation at 2:00 PM at the church and will be conducted by Reverend Chris Hauser and Pastor Scott Welch. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lela requested memorials be made to the Turners Creek Baptist Church Mission Program at https://turnerscreekbc.org/give. The family of Lela Parker would like to thank the staff of SECU Hospice Home of Yadkin and Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home for their excellent care and compassion during this difficult time.

Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Parker Family.