Mrs. Sheila Gail Parker

ROCKY MOUNT – Sheila  Gail Parker, age 63, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025.  Sheila, lovingly known as Gail, was born in Greenville, NC on December 20, 1961.  She was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Vernon.

Gail married her high school sweetheart, Leon Parker, on October 29, 1980, and they had one daughter, Mary Parker.  She was a proud and devoted member of Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, where she often shared the story of how the church saved her life and how, as a young teenager in a butterbean field, she accepted Jesus into her heart.  Throughout her life, Gail was dedicated to serving others in many roles—wife, mother, friend, and childcare provider—but her most cherished role was as “Grammy” to her beloved granddaughter, Delilah.  Gail’s philosophy on life was simple yet powerful: “Suck it up, buttercup.  Put your big girl panties on and deal with it.”  With that strength and resilience, the family asks that instead of tears, we remember that Gail is now healed, free, and in the hands of God, dancing on the golden streets she had always dreamed of walking upon.

Gail is survived by her loving husband, Leon Parker; her daughter, Mary Parker; her cherished granddaughter, Delilah Murphy; her mother, Nellie Vernon; her siblings, Missy Poythress; Michelle Weatherspoon and husband, Mike; Keith Vernon and wife, Patricia; Debbie Sherrod, and Pam Griffin and husband, Ruffin; numerous nieces and nephews; and life-long friend, Pam Williams.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Gail’s life will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Alan Mills officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff a Hospice of Wilson for their unwavering dedication and tender care.  A special thank you to the staff, including Tiffany, Kelly, and Jordan for their exceptional care during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gail’s memory to Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro Street SW #301, Wilson, NC  27893.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.