Shirley Mamie Kreider Parker, age 89, of Wilmington, NC died peacefully at her daughter’s Kill Devil Hills home on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Shirley was born November 19, 1932, in New Castle, Delaware, daughter of Bertha Mae Faux Kreider and Miles Martin Kreider. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, SMSgt Raeford C. Parker, USAF; sisters, Eleanor M. Clough and Catherine Kleimann; and brothers, Miles E. Kreider and Melvin L. Kreider.
Shirley’s and Raeford’s daughter, Shirley F. Parker, survives her mother. In addition, she is survived by their grandchildren; Christopher M. Wells (wife, Greta) and Teri M. Wells (husband, Christian Gochis); great-grandchildren Hannah Elise Wells Gilbreath, Alden Parker Wells, Jennifer Alana, Michele Lynn, Paige Caroline, and Cayden Levi; four great-great-grandchildren, as well as other beloved family members and friends.
She was a lifelong homemaker who traveled the world for 24 years as a USAF spouse. After settling in Wilmington, she spent many hours playing with her grandchildren when they were young. While she and Raeford enjoyed an occasional round of golf together, her favorite activity was bowling, a sport she enjoyed into her late 80’s. Kind to neighbors, she often expressed her care by showing up with a tin of freshly made chocolate chip cookies. In addition to being a meticulous seamstress who took pleasure in making her own clothing, she delighted in gifting friends and family members with beautiful, hand-crocheted afghans and finely crafted needlepoint designs. She loved growing roses and every dog she ever met. She will surely be missed by family members, friends, and her dog, Holly.
A service for friends and family will be held in Wilmington, North Carolina at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services were entrusted with arrangements.
