Edith Marie Ramsey Parker

Edith Marie Ramsey Parker, 81, of Rhoney Rd., Connelly Springs, NC died Monday, August 25, 2008 at her residence following a brief illness. She was born in Burke County on September 30, 1926 and was a daughter of the late Max A. and Maggie Donie Gales Ramsey. Mrs. Parker received her associate degree from Mars Hill College and her bachelor degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College. For 25 years she taught business and typing in the Burke County Public School System at both George Hildebrand and East Burke High Schools. Following her teaching career, Edith became president of Parker Industries, a metal stamping company in southeastern Burke County which she ran for 28 years until her death. Having lived in Ramsey on Old NC 18 her entire life, she was instrumental in establishing South Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.Surviving are her son, Jeff Parker, and his wife, Angela, of Huntersville; daughters, Susan Parker Sherrill and her husband, Bill, of Valdese and Jane Parker of Cornelius; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Parker, of Connelly Springs; grandchildren, Lance Sherrill and his wife, Mandy, Kirk Sherrill and his wife, Kim, Jill Knox and her husband, Adam, Joshua Parker and his wife, Roseanna, and Emily Parker; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Paige Sherrill and Madelyn and Sam Knox. Also left to cherish her memory are special friends, Dot Gasperini, Rhonda Wingo, and Betty "Sis" Chapman and her special canine companion, Maggie.Mrs. Parker’s family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Doctors Christopher McDonald and Roger Seagle and their staffs for the care given to Edith.In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Farrell Devon Parker; a son, Randy Parker; a sister, Ruby Fortenberry; and brothers, Howard Ramsey and Stewart Ramsey.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2008 at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Reverends Allan Barlow and Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Center at Blue Ridge Health Care, PO Box 700, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.