Cynthia “Cindy” Kay (Brown) Parker, 72, of Alderson, passed away on Sept. 28, 2026, after a long illness. She was born on April 19, 1954, in Morgantown to the late Professor Londo Henderson Brown and Lera (Browning) Brown.
Cindy was a proud 1976 graduate of West Virginia University, and she carried the values of hard work, education, and service throughout her life. She devoted many years to teaching and retired proudly from FPC Alderson, where she made a lasting difference in the lives of her students and colleagues. Her patience, compassion, and steady encouragement reflected the best qualities of an educator, and she was respected for the care she gave to her work and to the people around her.
On Oct. 25, 1975, Cindy married the love of her life, Rick Parker, and together they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, and shared interests that brought them great joy. Cindy especially enjoyed visiting antique shops and collecting antiques with Rick, and those outings became treasured memories over the years. Their bond was a beautiful example of loyalty, friendship, and enduring love.
Cindy was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard (Rick) Emil Parker, Jr. of Alderson; her daughter, Laurie Kay Parker Bennett and her husband Roger of Lewisburg; her son, Christopher Brown Parker of Charles Town; and her beloved grandchildren, Lacy Anne Patriacca and Adam Robert Patriacca, both of Lewisburg, and Kinsley Anna Parker and Ryland James Parker, both of Charles Town, WV. She is also survived by her brother, Claude Brown and wife Ruth of Orlando, FL, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family was the center of her heart, and she took great pride in each of them.
Cindy was a faithful and active member of her community. She was a member of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church, where she found strength and fellowship. She served as Vice President of the Alderson Women’s Club. She was also a former member of the Red Hat Society. Through these groups, she built lasting friendships and generously enriched the lives of others. A loyal and encouraging friend, she shared a special bond with the Parkers of Alderson and the Kennedy family in Charleston. Cindy was proud to be a great-granddaughter of Devil Anse Hatfield, and she cherished her Kappa Delta sorority sisters and their annual reunions.
In addition to her many interests and accomplishments, Cindy loved horses and dogs, and she found joy in the simple beauty of life and the companionship of animals. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her selfless spirit, and the grace with which she lived each day. Cindy’s legacy is one of love, faith, and devotion to family and friends, and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her lifelong friend Debi Ayersman Felton.
Family and friends are welcome to attend at the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 2 p.m. with pastor Derek Hall officiating.
For those wishing to show an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Parker to the Alderson Women’s Club Girls Scholarship, c/o Betty Thomas, P.O. Box 872, Alderson, WV 24910.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Parker family at www.lobbanfh.com.
