Mollie Marie Parker was born on December 9, 1943, to Walter and Jesse Graham of Colmesneil, Texas. She was the fifth child of what would eventually be 15 children. In 1963, at the age of 19, she married Thomas Parker who she would love for the rest of her life and their 61 years side by side. Together, they had four girls who gave them a total of 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Spending precious moments with her grandkids and great-grandkids brought Mollie an abundance of joy. Those who grew up with her knew she was as tough as steel, those who befriended her during life knew she had a feistiness not easily matched, but those who loved her knew without a doubt that she would move mountains for them should the need ever arise.
She taught her children and grandchildren how to cook, sew, garden, can vegetables, make jelly, and play an occasional hand of Texas Hold’em. When she wasn’t listening to her favorite Elvis record, she spent many afternoons singing gospel hymns with family on her front porch while watching her grandchildren play in the yard. Most of all, she was the best cook that ever set foot on Texas soil and had a kitchen that never closed, no matter what time you wondered into it. The roots Mollie laid over her life were those of loyalty, steadiness, generosity, and love. They run deep and will continue through the lives of those she leaves behind to cherish and remember her lessons and memories. She taught her family that life doesn’t discriminate in its unfairness, but those bumps should never dictate whether or not you reach the destination. Her family is grateful to our Heavenly Father for granting them the privilege of having her as their matriarch, and they look forward to seeing her again on the streets of gold.
Mollie is survived by her husband, Thomas; her daughters Stacy Manuel, Lisa Greer and husband, Tony; Connie Rabun and husband, Wade; and Susan Tompkins and husband, Jeremy. She also leaves behind grandchildren Cody Rutherford and wife, Bridgette; Jake Rutherford; Jessica Rauwerda and husband, Christian; Sarah Reese; Trey Ford and wife, McKenna; Shelby Bland and husband, Matthew; Laney Stolba and husband, Kaleb; Stevie Rabun; Liberty Curlile and husband, Tyler; Jubilee Rabun; Dixie Rabun; Truly Rabun; Josey Rabun; Brazos Rabun; Stryker Rabun; Rowdy Rabun; Eryn Kelly and husband, Colt; Vance Lambright; and Parker Lambright and wife, Casey. On top of this, Mollie leaves a bundle of great-grandchildren behind who will remember her fondly.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Magnolia Cemetery in Woodville, Texas with Wade Rabun, son-in-law, officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Cody Rutherford, Jake Rutherford, Trey Ford, Vance Lambright, Parker Lambright, and Brazos Rabun will serve as pallbearers. Stryker Rabun and Rowdy Rabun will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville. 503
