Joyce Powell Parker

Dr. Joyce Powell Parker, a dedicated educator and a passionate community member, passed away at her residence in Tifton, Ga. on March 30, 2024. She was born on February 12, 1937, in Augusta, Georgia. Joyce leaves behind a legacy filled with love, kindness, and valuable contributions to those around her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 7th at 3:00 PM in the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Chapel with Dr. Wayne Roe and Dr. Alfred Mott officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 PM in the chapel before the service. 
 
Joyce's career in education spanned over two decades at the Tift County Board of Education, where she served as a Business Education teacher from 1972 to 1998. Notably, she was the first teacher at Tift County High School with a Doctorate degree. Her commitment to academia extended beyond the classroom as she actively participated in various clubs and associations such as the Pilot club, Pilot Anchor leader, Future Business Leader Association, and Retired Teachers Associations.
 
Beyond her professional endeavors, Joyce was a world traveler who explored Europe, Canada, Brazil, and India (just to name a few). She had the privilege of visiting forty-eight states and cherished the memories created during her adventures.
 
Described as very creative by those who knew her best, Joyce had a deep passion for activities like collecting china, sewing, knitting, gardening, and nurturing flowers. Her love for opera was evident through her melodious singing about everyday occurrences. Joyce's enthusiasm for the arts influenced her children whom she nurtured with the same appreciation. As a season ticket holder for the Arts and Culture at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), she actively supported local artistic endeavors.
 
Joyce's proudest accomplishments included her dedication to First Baptist Church of Tifton where she imparted knowledge both to preschoolers and older adults through Sunday school classes. She initiated the Leona Reddick Mott and Arthur Mott Scholarship at ABAC to encourage more African American men to pursue higher education. Additionally, she generously contributed to the community by providing tax assistance through various programs and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Hospice.
 
Joyce was preceded in death by her father Charlie Pinckney Powell; her mother Emmie Louishes Walton Powell; and her eight siblings: John Walton Powell, Mary Elizabeth Jordan (Bowdre), Charles Pickney Powell Jr.(Helen), Forrest Arnold Powell (Irene), Theron Luther Powell (Mary), Gwendolyn Litten (Bob), Emmie Lou Siletto (Jim), and Jesse Gordon Powell (Beverly).
 
She is survived by her beloved husband Earl Stanley Parker Sr., whom she married on June 21, 1958; her children Gwen Nelson, Jann (Bill Haag) Thomas; Amy Parker, and Stan Parker (Nina). Joyce will be dearly remembered by her grandchildren Jason Nelson; Declen Parker; Eason Parker; Dylan (Holly Beth) Haag; Camryn Haag; great-grandchild Mackenzie Haag; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
 
Joyce's warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace knowing that her legacy of love and service lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

 In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Reddick-Mott Scholarship Fund at ABAC.