Stella Joyce Parnell Parker died on Jan. 29, 2025. Born on Sept. 11, 1952, in Munford, Alabama, she was the youngest child of Lawrence Dumas Parnell and Ethel Fuller Parnell. After graduating from Munford High School in 1969, she accepted a respiratory therapy technician job at DeSoto Memorial Hospital (DMH). "She was a brave young woman," her son Thomas said, "as she moved to Arcadia not knowing anyone."

Working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), she met her late husband who was also an EMT at DMH. Married in 1979, they had two sons. She also worked in medical records for DMH, and for more than 25 years, as the lead office staff for Dr. Louis Kirschner at Arcadia Chiropractic Clinic. She retired after ten years serving as a control room operator at the DeSoto County jail.

A member of the DeSoto County Historical Society, she served as a director and secretary. Newsletter Editor Karen Smoke wrote, "Stella would take on tasks that she was uncertain of and do them to perfection. She had a quiet determination to see a project through." A member of Trinity Methodist Church, Stella volunteered for events, on the scholarship committee, and taught Sunday School.

She loved to travel and collect souvenirs. Her miniature silver spoon collection chronicles her journey to Paris and Europe. She also enjoyed camping and the outdoors.

Strong and resilient but very humble, Stella was devoted to family first. She participated in whatever her sons chose to do—Boy Scouts, 4-H, sports, and more. She cared for her family and extended family, including her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law.

She is survived by her sons, Travis Parnell Parker and Thomas Marion Parker, III; granddaughters Addisyn Marie Parker and Sydalee Taylor Parker; siblings Melba Parnell Ware and Kenneth Parnell; sister-in-law Karen Parker Raineri; nephew Kyle (Sandy) Parnell, and other nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Lewis Henry Parker, IV; her parents; sister-in-law Louana Parker Thompson, and brother-in-law Barry Raineri.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on March 1, 2025 at Trinity Methodist Church. In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the DeSoto County Historical Society or Trinity Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.