Dolores Frances Marengo Parker

Dolores Frances Marengo Parker, (also known as Dee and Nana), went home to be with Jesus on November 4, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born in Bay St. Louis, MS on May 12, 1928, to Mr. Lukey Lucien Marengo and Mrs. Mabel  Kaufman Marengo. She had two sisters and five brothers. She was the fifth child and last surviving sibling of this loving  family.  

Dolores spent most of her life in Ocean Springs after her husband retired from the Air Force. She loved gardening, bowling, traveling, and cooking for her family. Always cooking for her family, a platter of fried chicken, her gumbo with hot dogs in it or homemade pizzas. She was owner of a nursery and garden center in Ocean Springs in the 1970’s. She  loved helping others grow healthy plants. Later, she went to work at Wilson’s in Gautier when Singing River mall was  built. There she became department manager and retired from the store which had changed to Service Merchandise.  After retirement, she and her husband, Herman, traveled all over the US.  

Dee was an avid bowler and belonged to bowling leagues most of her adult life. She bowled in a ladies league in Gautier until she was 90 years young. She and her girlfriends took many trips to Florida and Jackson, MS to bowl in tournaments.  

Nana loved her family dearly and would be quick to tell anyone who would listen all about her 3 kids, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grands. She still could tell you each one's birthdate and was faithful to send out birthday cards. 

Dee was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Vancleave. She loved life and everyone she met. She was not afraid to share the love of Jesus and knew how to soften hearts with her famous pralines. She delivered these to the police station, and others in various businesses in Ocean Springs and Gautier.  

She always said she was going to live to be 100! She fought hard this past year to beat her health challenges. She didn’t lose the battle; she won the Prize! Eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She went peacefully into His arms on November 4, 2023 

Nana was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Herman C. Parker, Jr. She is survived by her children: Nick Parker, Terrie (Billie) Canterbury, and Cindy (Stan) Spell; grandchildren: Sarianne and Dana Parker, Shelley Hannon, Mark Britt, Rusty Faulk, John Canterbury, Delayna Canterbury, Billie Canterbury, Jr., Jeremy Spell and Angel Davis. She is also survived  by 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. 

Celebration of her life will be held on November 18, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Vancleave. Visitation for family will be at 9; friends' visitation at 10 and church service at 11. Graveside service will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs, MS.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dolores Frances Marengo Parker.