Lola Marie Gibson Parker, age 70, passed away on September 7, 2026, just three days after celebrating her 70th birthday. She was born September 4, 1956, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to Elmer Lee Gibson and Barbara Gail Thames.

There will be a visitation at Silver Springs Baptist Church on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, a service to follow with Bro. Larry Ritchie officiating. 

Of all Lola has accomplished throughout her life, she was most proud of her children, her marriage, and becoming a nurse. At the age of 30, Lola made the decision to return to school and earn her nursing degree. That accomplishment reflected the determination and perseverance that would define both her career and her life.

Lola went on to dedicate more than 35 years to nursing as a registered nurse at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, Mississippi. Nursing was far more than a career to Lola. It was a calling, a community, and the source of some of her most treasured friendships and memories.

She never forgot the experienced nurses who taught and guided her when she was first out of school. As the years passed, Lola had the opportunity to offer that same guidance to younger nurses entering the profession. Their excitement and eagerness renewed her own spirit. Reflecting on them years later, Lola wrote, “You helped me more than I ever helped you.” She was grateful for the nurses who worked alongside her as a team to care for their patients, and when she looked back on those years, what stood out most were the good times. In Lola’s own words, she remembered the “laughs more than cries.”

As proud as Lola was of her nursing career, family was always at the heart of her life. She was a caring and loving person who loved her children deeply. Lola and her husband, James, shared 47 years of marriage, building a life together filled with love, family, and memories.

One of Lola’s most treasured memories was a family trip to Disney World. That memory became even more precious with time because it was the last family trip she shared with her son, James Lee.

Lola also knew how to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. She loved her dogs, painting, gardening, binge-watching her favorite shows, and, of course, banana pudding. She found happiness at home and with the people she loved, appreciating the ordinary moments that so often become the memories a family treasures most.

Lola believed strongly that how we treat others matters. One of the life lessons she passed along was simple: be a good person, treat people with respect, and usually they will treat you with respect in return. It was a belief she carried throughout her life, in her relationships, and during her many years caring for others.

Lola was a member of Silver Springs Baptist Church in Osyka, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, James Lee Parker; her parents, Elmer Lee Gibson and Barbara Gail Thames; and her brothers, Daryl Gibson and Barry Gibson.

Lola is survived by her husband of 47 years, James Edward Parker Jr.; her daughter, Brandi Parker; her sister, Gail Lorraine Gibson of Nashville, Tennessee; her brother, Robbie Gibson of Osyka, Mississippi; her brother-in-law, William Parker; and her sister-in-law, Pat Parker.

She is also survived by her nieces, Jessica Vest of Nashville, Tennessee, Erikah Gibson, Shae Coleman, and Hollie Parker Peets; her nephews, Chris Gibson, Jacob Gibson, Donavon Gibson, Josh Parker, and J.B. Parker; Jessica’s son, Jack Vest; Erikah’s children, Jace, Micah, Braison, and Olivia; and her cousins, Carmen Jones, Wade Brown, Holly Brown, and Rhonda Adkins. She also leaves behind extended family, dear friends, former coworkers, and fellow nurses whose lives were touched by knowing her.

Lola spent much of her life caring for others, but her legacy reaches far beyond the patients she cared for. It lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the marriage she nurtured for 47 years, the career she worked hard to build, the nurses she encouraged, the friendships she treasured, and the lessons she passed along to those she loved.

There will be tears in saying goodbye, but Lola herself left behind a fitting reminder of how she chose to look back on a life filled with both joy and sorrow:

“Remember the laughter more than the tears.”

Funeral services for Lola will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Springs Baptist Church in Osyka, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Gibson, Jack Vest, Damon Jones, Benson Blades, Colby Blades, and Erik Jones. Chris Gibson will serve as honorary pallbearer.