Susan Parker Rector

Susan Parker Rector, age 72 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest on November 6, 2024. Susan was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, David Rector, her parents Martha Anne Ferriss Parker and Henry Lee Parker. She leaves behind devoted sister, Kathy Parker Roberts and her husband Craig. She was a loving aunt to her nephew Nathan Roberts (Hannah) and nieces Ferriss and Parker Roberts. She shared a close relationship with her cousin and friend, Margaret Ferriss White. She also leaves her lifelong, forever dearest friend Mary Lynn Baker Ball. She is survived by her son, John Parker Rector, stepdaughter Missy Rector Overton (John) and Brian Rector (Erin). Susan was born into a wonderful, loving home in Natchez, Mississippi. A few years later the family moved to Starkville, Mississippi where Susan grew up being a big sister to Kathy. She was blessed to spend all her school years in Starkville, graduating from Starkville High School in 1970. Susan made many friends as a little girl who remained her dearest friends throughout her life. She went on to attend Mississippi State University where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and earned her degree in Elementary Education in 1974. During her college summers Susan worked at the New Orleans Saints training camp in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where her dad was a Coach. She loved being there with her dad sharing many special times. Following graduation Susan became an elementary school teacher, eventually settling in Knoxville, Tennessee. She enjoyed a long teaching career at Farragut Intermediate School. Susan was an excellent, dedicated teacher who loved her students and fellow teachers, many who became forever friends. Susan retired after 35 years of teaching, but would continue to be in demand, working as a substitute teacher. After several years, her husband David convinced her to “fully retire”. Susan was happily married to husband David for 40 years until his death in 2021. They built a wonderful home and family together with their children. Family and friends meant everything to Susan. She and David loved their yearly family vacations to Kiawah Island, SC. They loved University of Tennessee football where they could be found most Saturdays and often traveled to away games with friends. They loved entertaining in their home, hosting friends and family at their annual Holiday party for many years. Susan was an excellent cook, especially all things Southern. She was an avid reader and could often be found with a book and listening to oldies music. Susan and her sister Kathy were blessed to share a close and loving relationship with their parents prior to their deaths in 2013. Susan and Kathy went on to share a close bond and were the best of friends as well as sisters. The last few years Kathy spent much time in Knoxville with Susan. Susan was sweet, kind and generous. She loved her friends and gifted them with beautifully wrapped presents. She took after her mother and wrote thoughtful notes and cards to her friends and family. She maintained special friendships with lifelong friends. For many years Susan lived a wonderful, charmed life. She was “our Susan”. Following the death of David she lost her joy. She lost her compass and struggled to find her way. Her heart was fragile, and it eventually failed her. We missed our Susan. A reminder to all of us – say “I Love You”. Give a hug. We don’t know if we will get those “five more minutes”. We are grateful John Parker was able to help with her care this past year. Thank you to all of Susan’s friends, near and far. A special thank you to her wonderful neighbors who all did so much for her. We are thankful and and so very appreciative. Per Susan’s request there will be no memorial service. Memorials may be made to the Literary Association of Tennessee or charitable organization of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Susan Parker Rector

August 21, 1952 - November 6, 2024