Deborah A. Parker

Deborah “Debi” A. Parker (Mitchell), lovingly known as Nannie to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, at 3:30 PM. She was 68 years old and a resident of Lugoff, South Carolina.

Born in Clarkson, New York, Deborah faced responsibility early in life, becoming a caregiver while finishing high school. At 18, she married Richard E. Parker I, and became a devoted military spouse for 48 years, a homemaker, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband in July 2023; her parents, Nelson and Marcella Mitchell of New York; Aunt Mable and Uncle George, who raised her; and ten siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Deborah lived a life defined by love, faith, and service to others. She cared deeply for her family, her children, Mellisa Parker Ayer (Joey Ayer) and Richard Parker II (Elizabeth Shoaf) and her grandchildren, Addisyn, Richard, and Lucas, who were the joy of her life. She is also survived by her sisters Mable O’Shea of Leroy, NY, and Sandy O’Shea (James) of Lugoff, SC, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Her hugs, her gentle touch, and her love brought comfort to everyone who knew her. She loved God deeply and planted her faith in her children, friends, and countless others. If you met her, she fed you spiritually, emotionally, and literally, and no one ever left her home with an empty stomach or empty hands.

She loved the beach, where the ocean gave her peace and made her feel closest to God. She was dedicated to working in her yard and reading. In her off time, she enjoyed taking small adventures, decorating for the holidays, gift-giving, thrifting, and keeping family traditions alive. Known for her silliness, her dancing into a room, her spunky personality, and her generous spirit, she made friends wherever she went and truly never met a stranger.

Deborah courageously cared for her husband during his four-year battle with cancer until his passing in July 2023. She faced her own cancer diagnosis with faith and strength, passing just ten weeks after her diagnosis.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Doko Manor, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood, SC 29016.

Honoring her wishes, a private beach memorial will be held in May 2026, followed by her final resting place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Flowers and expressions of sympathy may be sent to her home or the Ayer residence in Blythewood, SC.

She will be remembered for her faith, her heart, her laughter, and the love she poured into her family every day of her life.

Psalm 93:1 — Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.