FRANKLIN — Catherine Gray Parker, 81, passed away on Jan. 13, 2019, in her home after a long illness with her family at her bedside.

Catherine was a native of Southampton County, and was a daughter of the late Elvin T. Gray and Gracie Britt Gray Story, and was also predeceased by a sister, Brenda Gray Francis.

She was a 1955 graduate of Newsoms High School.

Catherine was an active member of Sedley Baptist Church and a WMU Leader for 25 years.

Catherine was a strong loving wife, mother and grandmother who leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 57 years, Frank Parker; a daughter, Sherry P. Colbert (Robby;) a son, Tommy Parker (Shelly;) a sister, Audrey G. Pope (James;) four grandchildren, Benjamin Colbert (Jenna,) Glenn Colbert, Jordan Parker and Holly Parker; and one great-grandchild, Ellie Marie Colbert.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, in Sedley Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Foreman officiating. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, and suggests memorial donations be made to Sedley Baptist Church for local ministries.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.