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James (Pop) Emmett Parker, 88, of Braxton, Mississippi, a man whose life was as solid and enduring as the bricks he laid, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Clinton Healthcare in Clinton, MS.
James was born on November 10, 1935, in Wisner, LA, to Rosalie and John Wilborn Parker. After moving with his family to Simpson County, James graduated from Pinola High School in 1956. He then enlisted in the National Guard and Army before becoming a master bricklayer. Over the decades, his hands shaped countless homes, schools, and churches across Mississippi. Each brick he placed was a testament to his skill, patience, and commitment to quality. The buildings James helped construct stand as silent witnesses to his enduring legacy, providing shelter and beauty for generations to come.
James is now reunited with his loving wife, Grace Parker; his beloved parents; his brothers, Wilburn Ray Parker and Howard Earl Parker; his grandparents; his stepchildren, Jeannie Rice, Patricia Byrd, and George William Byrd; as well as his step-grandchild, Carol Byrd, and great-grandchild, Eric Bryant.
He is survived by his brother, Carl Robert Parker, and his stepchildren, James Byrd (Cynthia) and Cindy Prince (Mike). He also leaves behind his step-grandchildren: Lisa Bryant (Danny), Tim Sullivan (Eva), Duane Sullivan-Bradley (Joshua), Toshia Byrd, and Jamie Wade (Kristy); and his step-great-grandchildren: Randi Mae Starita (Jacob), Shelby Hearst (Shelton), Laken Bryant, Wesley Sullivan (Leslie), Jarrett Wade, and Connor Wade.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Pop’s caregivers at Clinton Healthcare for their incredible love, care, and comfort during his journey. A special thank you to Colena (Jametria) Dixon and Lucy Gammage for becoming part of our family.
Funeral services for James Emmett Parker will be held at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3077 MS-13, Mendenhall, MS 39114, on September 19, 2024. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm, with the funeral service at 3:00 pm, followed by burial at Braxton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Braxton Fire-Rescue, Inc., 106 W. Main St., Braxton, MS 39044, or the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, www.msdiabetes.org.
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