Nellie Juanita Parker

Nellie Juanita Parker (Granny), aged 94, of Lorena, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 29, 2024. She finally got to meet her Lord and Savior that she faithfully followed and witnessed to everyone she met. There are not enough and even the most eloquent of words that can come close to describing our matriarch. Born on March 16, 1930, Juanita led a life marked by kindness, generosity, and dedication to her family and community.

A lifelong resident of Lorena, Juanita worked for many years at the Owens Illinois Glass Plant. Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life, as she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lorena, where she dedicated countless hours cooking and serving the community.

Juanita's home was a hub of warmth, filled with the smells of her cooking and baking skills she passed down to her family along with her love for making ceramics, sewing, and engaging in various community activities. She was known affectionately as the burger lady, the cake lady, and especially the Biscuit Lady of Lorena, having cooked for the Lorena First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Hewitt, and Lorena High School Varsity Football teams for decades. But everyone just called her “Granny”.

Juanita (Granny as many knew her) was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Lee Maynard Parker (Slick), her daughter Karen Parker, son-in-law Michael Pitts, son-in-law Ken Bell, Grandson Chantz Bell, both parents, and two brothers. She is survived by one son, three daughters, two granddaughters, four grandsons, six great-granddaughters, eight great-grandsons, two great-great-granddaughters, and one great-great-grandson. Granny had a special place in her heart for each and every one of them. This very large family that Granny help create and treasured more than life itself is as followed: 

Son: Troy Parker, and wife, Faye Parker

Daughters: Hazel Pitts and Tammy Bell

Daughter: Joddy Ronje and husband, Shawn Ronje

Granddaughter: Debbie Parker

Grandson: Wade Parker and wife, Suzanne Parker

Grandson: Chris Pitts and wife, Melanie Pitts

Grandson: Corey Pitts and wife, Jennifer Pitts

Grandson: Chase Bell and significant other, Mattie Bogausch

Granddaughter: Cheyenne Bell and significant other, Dylan Hammack

Great- Granddaughter: Kayla Ronje

Great- Grandson: Mical Stephenson and wife, Chelsea Stephenson

Great- Grandson: Ty Parker and wife, Alicia Parker

Great- Granddaughter: Jordan Parker

Great- Granddaughter: Mason Pitts

Great- Grandson: Cole Pitts

Great- Grandson: Carter Pitts

Great- Granddaughter: Madison Hartberg and husband, Hunter Hartberg

Great- Grandson: Jackson Pitts and Finance', Maci Dawson

Great- Grandson: Cason Pitts and significant other, Jailey LeDane 

Great- Granddaughter: Adeline Bell

Great- Grandson: Lleyton Wilburn

Great- Grandson: Landry Wilburn

Great- Granddaughter: Kendra Bell (Granny called her “My Baby”, and Her baby was the one that lit up Granny’s face and heart in her final days)

Great- Great- Grandson: Dominic Ronje

Great- Great- Granddaughter: Birkleigh Ronje

Great- Great- Granddaughter: Reagan Parker

Survived by numerous nieces and nephews

Visitation will be 5 PM to 7 PM Tuesday, October 1st, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, TX 76706. A graveside service will be 10 AM Wednesday, October 2nd, at Lorena Cemetery.