"Shirley" Sandra Warren Parker

I’m sorry you had to say see you soon mom!!! It is painful!! But I’m so grateful we have the hope in Christ that we will reunite soon! Your family is in my heart and prayers!! Love to you all! Aunt Shirley was one of a kind and I know she will be missed. I loved every minute I got to spend with her on this earth.

Shirley Parker was quite a woman.
I suppose I always knew that, but now when I think about people who have made a powerful impression on me and the people who truly stand out in this world.
Well they are only a reserved few.
Shirley Parker was my Nanny (for those of you who aren’t familiar with the word Nanny the way I’m using it. She was my Grandmother.)
There is no way I can put in words here why she is so dear and special to me and why she was so important in my life.
That would take years. Maybe more than I have left.
There are certain people in our lives we can’t remember a world without them and you can’t imagine them not being there one day.
Our parents, children , grandchildren , husbands and wives, dear friends and well we all have our own list.
I was my Nanny’s first grandchild.
Doesn’t mean anything except the order in which I entered this world…
And that I was the lucky one .
The grandchild who got the most time with my Nanny.
We were like a team.
My Papaw Gerald, my Nanny and myself, especially when I was young.
There are so many stories and memories I could tell you but that is not what I am writing this for.
As it became clear my Nanny was leaving this world not long ago.
My world shattered.
I’m still looking for all the pieces.
I told my wife. My children and even my Grandchildren who all loved my Nanny dearly.
With soft broken words .
I told them.
That’s apart of me lying in there.
That’s one of the few responsible in the best of ways for everything I’m made of.
And one he’ll of a woman!
Oh Nanny I miss you so much.
There just wasn’t anyone like you in the world and you were always so special to me.
You taught me how to live life and never take it so serious that you forget to smile and laugh.
I loved your jokes Nanny.
No matter how many times I heard them.
The reason I love to read and fancy myself a bit of a story teller is because I learned from you.
From the time I understood language I remember beginning you to tell me those same old stories you had told me a hundred times.
Each time you spun them with the same enthusiasm, suspense, humor and love.
God I miss you.
Nanny you taught me to live everyday and not to worship money.
You were just as inclined to give it away to someone if they needed it or me or anyone else in the family, if we wanted something.
No matter how trivial.
You were such a selfless human being. In fact I believe the most selfish person I have ever or will ever know.
Anyone who knew you won’t be surprised when I say that you weren’t the typical grandparent in most ways lol.
And I mean that as a compliment.
My Nanny used to say: ” I ain’t no house keeper and I ain’t No Betty Crocker. ”
So unlike some of you who may read this, I didn’t run to Nannys for home made cookies and the most she usually contributed to the holiday meals was her punch at Christmas.
No I rushed to my Nannys as quick and often as possible for my Nanny herself!
Her love radiated and hugged you long before you reached her physically. She was my friend.
She never looked down on anyone including children.
She didn’t dismiss what you said or believed simply because of your age.
She made anyone in her presence happy and comfortable.
I’m so grateful I spent most of my life living so close to you I could just walk up the hill to you Nanny.
Thank you for more than I can ever listen.
Thank you for helping to shape your Grandson Jeffrey Travis Carver into the person I am today.
A man I can be proud of.
Not due to wisdom or riches or anything superficial.
I am proud you helped me become a man who truly puts others before himself.
Takes great joy in the small things and you taught me the kind of man I wanted to be.
I miss you so much already Nanny.
I love you so very much.
And so does Lawanda and the children .
All of them.
Tell papaw I miss and love him as well .
I’ll see yall one of these days so pull out the mattress.
So we can lay together and watch the wild animals.
I truly hope I did a good enough job letting you know how much love, admiration and appreciation I’ve always had for you.
Thank you for so many things Nanny.
Love Always
Jeffrey Travis Carver
(Your Jeff Bo)