Obituary: Ellen Bruce Hardy Parker

Ellen Bruce Hardy Parker

May 19, 1943-March 2, 2024

Ellen Bruce Hardy Parker, of Snow Hill, passed away to her Heavenly home on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Ellen was born May 19, 1943 in Greene County to the late William Aldridge Hardy and Ellen Bruce Jones Hardy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, James Edwin Parker, Sr.

Ellen was a graduate of Atlantic Christian College and was a teacher in Lenoir County schools, Southwood Elementary School, for many years. Education and teaching her students were very important to her and she taught many children in Lenoir County.

Ellen deeply loved her family, including her aunts, uncles, nephews, and cousins. Ellen was always willing to plan family gatherings and made sure she continued the family legacy of spending time with family. Additionally, Ellen was always willing to help, not only her immediate family, but extended family and friends and engage others to do the same. Ellen had a deep love for animals, and cared for and loved many dogs and cats over the years, just like they were her children.

A service to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held Saturday, March, 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Wheat Swamp Christian Church, officiated by Pastor Hank Jarman. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will follow at Rainbow United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Ellen is survived by her son, James Edwin Parker, Jr. and wife, Lana Horne Parker; granddaughter, Ellen-Marie Brianna Parker; sister-in-law, Theresa Parker Pierce and husband, Brad; nephews, William Hardy and wife, Rose, Bennie Hardy and wife, Laura and many special cousins and friends.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lenoir County SPCA, PO Box 1481, Kinston NC 28503. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.