Susan Garrison Parker

ASHEVILLE—Susan Garrison Parker, age 96, of Asheville, passed Saturday, January 5, 2013. Mrs. Parker was born January 11, 1916, in Flat Creek. She was the fifth child of seven born to the late Cora Burnette Garrison and Edward E. Garrison. In her youth she was a member of Flat Creek Baptist Church. At the age of 18, she took a train to Boston and enrolled in McLean Hospital School of Nursing where she received her RN. Later she attended UNC Chapel Hill and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked at Highland Hospital, Mission Hospital, and VA Hospital. She was also a Madison County social worker and a Buncombe County public health nurse. She was an avid reader and herbologist. In her retirement years she volunteered for several organizations. She was a weaver, seamstress, basket maker, and taught classes in each of these. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Richard Parker who died August 4, 1984, and her son, Edwin Richard Parker, Jr. Surviving are her daughters, Joan Behymer of Alabama, Carol Blanton of Florida, and Nancy Parker of Asheville; grandchildren, Tracey B. Lakey, Richard Blanton, Cindy Behymer, Roy Behymer; and five great grandchildren. Her graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2013, in Flat Creek Cemetery with Rev. Sue Barron officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Asheville Meals on Wheels, 146 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801; or Bess Tilson Sprinkle Memorial Library, PO Box 663, Weaverville, NC 28787. The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers at the Laurels at Summit Ridge for their love and care of Susan. West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, is in charge of arrangements. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Parker's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.