Delta State University alumna Lilyan Elizabeth “Liz” Couch Parker, 85, of Drew, Miss., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at Bolivar Medical Center. A former schoolteacher, she was married to Delta State alumnus Travis Parker, namesake of the Delta State football field. Delta State will fly its flag at half-staff to honor her from Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 PM Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Drew Baptist Church. A celebration of life service will follow with Rev. Sid Harmon officiating. Interment will be in Drew City Cemetery.
The following edited obituary appeared in The Enterprise-Tocsin:
Lilyan Elizabeth “Liz” Couch Parker was born on May 8, 1933, to Frank and Janette Couch in Blaine, Miss. On Dec. 18, 1955, she married Travis E. “Red” Parker at the Drew Baptist Church. He was a tireless supporter of Delta State and the Delta area communities and former Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning board of trustees member; the Delta State football field was renamed for him in 1984.
She graduated from Drew High School and went on to further her education at Delta State Teachers College. She had a true passion for teaching and began her instruction at Natchez High School as well as Shaw High School.
When the children were born, she decided to leave education to be a wonderful mother to her three children for 30 years. After the children were grown and no longer at home, she jumped right back to her passion by teaching third grade at North Sunflower Academy for 25 years. While there, she won the award of teacher of the year.
Liz was a member of the Drew Baptist Church and was also president of Drew Garden Club and Drew Culture Club. She loved playing bridge with her friends as well as traveling the world and spending time with her husband.
She is preceded in death by him and her parents. Survivors include her children, Travis E. “Rusty” Parker, Jr. (Carla) of Oxford, Mike C. Parker (Pam) of Drew, and Beth Parker Davis (Lex) of Merigold; grandchildren, Travis E. “Tripp” Parker (Victoria) of Nashville, Neal Ann Parker Chamblee (Vince) of Memphis, Morgan Elizabeth Parker, Alexandria Payne Parker of Cleveland, and Ana Parker Davis of Merigold; and great-grandchildren, Caroline Gray Parker and Warren Travis Parker of Nashville.
Pallbearers will be Brett Dixon, Charles Michell, Greg Williams, Ed Whatley, Lloyd Mitchell, and Mike Gilbow. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Kent Wyatt, John Land, and David Cummins.
In memory of Parker, the family requests donations made to Delta State University. Click here.
