Marcia Elaine Parker

Marcia Elaine Carney Parker, 74, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, surrounded by loved ones following an extended battle with lung cancer.

Marcia was born on May 5, 1952, to the late Rayford and Virginia Bohannon Carney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Parker, and grandson, Kinsley Jackson Gilbert.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Willard Parker. She is also survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Zevan) Gilbert and Stacy (Jeremy) Long; grandchildren, Jaron (Victoria) Gilbert, CJ Gilbert, Shianne Gilbert, and Emma (Brandon) Leek; great-grandchildren, Jackson Gilbert, Henry Gilbert, and Garrett Greeson; siblings, Gloria Hawkins and Eddie (Carolyn) Carney; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Marcia bravely fought lung cancer for more than ten years, repeatedly defying the odds and using her own experience to help others through their battles with cancer. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she was a prayer warrior for many throughout her life. When she was younger, she shared that faith through music as a member of a gospel group, Free Spirits. Through everything she faced, she always loved Jesus and maintained faith in the promise of salvation. Marcia’s God-given gift was service. She wanted to make sure she had served Jesus here on earth and did so through so many acts of compassion and love for others. She was never happier than when she was taking care of others. Her family is comforted in knowing that she is currently singing and dancing her praises to her Lord and Savior in Heaven, having a heavenly reunion with her loved ones who have gone on before.

Her greatest strength was her fierce love for her family. She loved nothing more than gathering her family together to enjoy good food and good laughter. Marcia was also blessed with many dear friends, several of whom became an important part of her daily life. She loved talking on the phone and could spend hours talking, laughing, checking on those she loved, and praying with friends who needed encouragement. She leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will miss her beyond words and who will carry her love, laughter, and faith with them always.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Sonoraville Baptist Church and Wednesday, September 16, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Sonoraville Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM from Sonoraville Baptist Church with Dr. James Shope officiating. The Parker family will be in charge of music. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving are William Butler, Resinald Walraven, Brandon Cochran, Bill Stone, Brandon Carney, and Kurt Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are Carol Gallman, Phyllis Hayes, Sarah Kimsey, Linda York, Faye McFarland, Joy Dutton, and Joan Dutton.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Marcia Elaine Carney Parker.