Vicky Jean Parker

Vicky Jean (Koelzer) Parker, 74, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully after a long illness on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. Born in Hereford, Texas to the late Meinard and June Koelzer, Vicky spent her childhood in Texas and upon graduating from high school, relocated to Orlando, Florida with her lifelong best friend, Rita Backstrom. Soon after arriving in Orlando, she met the love of her life, John (Gary) Parker. Vicky and Gary were married in 1971 and Vicky loved to tell their "story of threes"-they dated for three months, were engaged for three months and together had three sons. Their journey through life brought them to many places, residing in Winter Park, FL, Memphis, TN, Derry, NH, Buffalo, NY and eventually back to where their story began in central Florida, to live out their retirement years. In addition to her husband of 52 years, Vicky is survived by her sister, Ruth Quisenberry of Hereford Texas, her sons, Scott Parker and his wife, Dara, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brian Parker and his wife, Amanda, of Tampa, Florida and Christopher Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. She was a proud grandmother to 6 grandchildren-Kathryn, Emily, Alison, Elyse, Brynn and Neil. Vicky's southern roots were strong and stayed with her throughout her life. She enjoyed iced tea, hummingbird cake and never lost her "y'all". She was a gentle soul who filled a room with warmth through her kind smile. Her greatest joy in life was caring for others, which was evident in all she did. If you were a guest in her home, you always had warm towels, delicious baked goods and she gave the most thoughtful gifts, personalized in true southern style. She was a volunteer in her local hospital and opened her home to exchange students from around the world over the years, serving as a "second mom" to many. A life-long, practicing Catholic, Vicky's faith was very important to her and she was most recently a member of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala. Vicky enjoyed traveling and took many road trips across the country. Some of her favorite destinations were Alaska, Europe and Gatlinburg, TN. Her family and friends are grateful for the wonderful memories they have with her and know her caring spirit made a difference in this world. Please join us in remembering Vicky at a Celebration of Life on Monday, September 18th, 2023 from 2-5pm at the Roberts of Ocala Funeral Home, 6241 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL 34476. In honor of Vicky, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Vicky Jean Parker

September 18, 1948 - September 9, 2023