Nancy Ruth (Harper) Parker

Nancy Harper Parker, 70, of Kinston passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Health Care. She was preceded in death by her parents, James T. “Gus” Harper and Anita Smith Harper.

Nancy was a true “tomboy” and loved music, fishing and reading. As a teenager, she taught herself to play ukulele and guitar and was the assistant drum major in high school where she played the saxophone. She attended Atlantic Christian College and acquired a degree in religion and youth ministry.   Growing up, she was a member of Northwest Christian Church where she was active in the choir, youth group and taught Bible School.  Nancy was later a longtime member of Southwood Memorial Christian Church in Kinston.  She was a member of the adult and handbell choirs.   She was active in CWF, assisted in the harvest festival and quilt ticket sales, taught Bible Studies, and was active in NCDWM where she held many offices.  She worked with the Salvation Army in Kinston, Asheville and Hickory and Department of Social Services, Kinston as a day care supervisor.  She attended Precept classes for many years and taught Women’s Small Group Bible Studies at 902 Church.

Nancy is survived by her son Daniel Allen Parker, Greenville, NC; sister, Jane Vernon and husband, Rick of Kinston; a childhood best friend and first cousin, Sue Harper Herold, all the Harper and Smith cousins; several nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery, Saturday June 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastors Rick Vernon and Ryan Vernon officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Southwood Memorial Christian Church, 1097 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC  28501 or North Carolina Disciple Women’s Fellowship, 509 Lee St. NE, Wilson, NC  27894