Stella Faye Coggins Parker

Stella Faye Coggins Parker, 93, of Tuckasegee passed away peacefully on August the 27th, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Harley Coggins and Nell Wilkes Coggins. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel D. Parker; brothers Harry Lee and Monroe; sisters, Ruby Coggins, Ruth Wilson, and Katherine Potts.

Stella was a member of Tuckasegee Baptist Church where through the years, she served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Church Treasurer. Following her husband’s death, she enrolled in Southwestern Technical College where she earned her associate’s degree. Upon graduation she began working in the library of the college where she remained until retirement. In her retirement she kept busy by volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program of Jackson County.

She also enjoyed time spent traveling with family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing in her spare time. Stella was Nana to not only her grandchildren and great grandchildren but to the many friends they brought to her life (C-NANA-GO). She enjoyed her time spent with the Adult Program at the Jackson County Senior Center.

She is survived by her half-sister, Kim Poteet of Cullowhee; two daughters, Sharon (Ronnie) Painter of Tuckasegee and Janice (Lee) Gilliland of Vass, NC; three grandchildren, Sam (Vanessa) Painter of Boone, NC; Laura (Avery) Brown of Sylva; Leslie (Chris) Lynette of Raleigh, NC and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the Family would appreciate a donation in Stella's memory to: Jackson County Adult Day Program, c/o Jackson County Department On Aging, 100 County Services Park, Sylva, NC 28779  OR Broyhill Home in Clyde, c/o Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361.