February 18, 2013

Bessie Griffin Parker, 76, of Suffolk, passed away Feb. 18, 2013. She was born in Chowan County, N.C., to the late Wallace Griffin Sr. and Sara Skinner Griffin. She graduated from Whaleyville High School and the Louise Obici School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1956.

Bessie is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Reginald E. Parker Sr. Bessie is also survived by her son, Reginald E. Parker Jr. (Pete) and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Michael W. Parker and his wife Cortney, Tiffany L. Parker; great-grandchildren, Caydence, Keagan and Harper Parker; sisters-in-law, Lillian P. White and Patsy A. Parker; a niece, Tracey W. Sackett and daughter, Sydney; as well as many other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held today, Feb. 20, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.