Joan H. Parker

Joan Harmon Parker, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Noxapater, Mississippi, on May 20, 2025.

She was born in Macon, Mississippi, on December 17, 1951, to the late O.G. and Bessie Harmon. Joan considered West Point, Mississippi, her home growing up. She graduated from West Point High School in 1969, and Hinds Community College School of Nursing in 1972. Joan dedicated more than 25 years of her life to public health, working as a registered nurse at health departments across Mississippi. Even after her retirement from state service, Joan continued her calling in caregiving by working at the Neshoba County Nursing Home. Her gift for caregiving extended far beyond the walls of any clinic or facility – she carried it with her throughout her life, nurturing not just patients but friends, family, and her community.

Joan was a proud and deeply devoted mother. She raised her children, Tommy and Michelle, with unwavering love, strength, and guidance. On August 16, 1996, Joan married Donald Ray Parker. Together, they built a loving home centered around faith, family, and community. Joan found immense joy in being “Nana” to her grandchildren, and was overjoyed to welcome her first great-grandchild, Beau Thomas, who brought her endless happiness in her later years.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Noxapater, Joan served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, choir member. She also enjoyed serving in the Emmaus community. Her warm spirit, steadfast faith, and compassionate heart touched many lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tommy Mathews, and her parents. She is survived by her husband, Donald Ray, daughter Michelle (Parker) Stubbs; grandchildren, Ansley (Hayden) Cagle, Addie Stubbs, and Wilkes Stubbs; great-grandson, Beau Thomas Cagle; stepdaughters Wendy (Brent) Walton and Shelly Westbrook; and step-grandson Gage Parker. She also leaves her sisters Dianne (Mike) Mathews, Margaret (John) Howlett, and Patsy Mooney.

Joan's life will be celebrated in a service honoring her faith and legacy, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 23rd, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeff Walton and Rev. Sara Windham officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Noxapater Methodist Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to French Camp Academy or Gideon’s International.