Dorothy Lee Sanderson Parker

Dorothy Lee Sanderson Parker, 102, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Langdale Hospice House. Mrs. Parker was born in Houston, TX on October 14, 1921, to the late Leo Joseph & Alva May (Adams) Sanderson.   Growing up in Houston in the 1930’s, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1938. She was a member of the drum and bugle corps while in high school. She went on to attend business school in Houston.     

Mrs. Parker and her late husband, Col. Clarence S. Parker, (USAF, Ret.) were married on November 21, 1942 in Houston, TX. She moved with him to several state side assignments during his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the war, Col. Parker was stationed in Wiesbaden, West Germany. Mrs. Parker refurbished their home in post-war Germany. She was also active in the Officers’ Wives’ organization, and she also learned to play golf there. 

In the 1950’s the Parkers returned to the states when Col. Parker was assigned to the Pentagon. They lived in Falls Church, VA. The family once again moved to West Germany when Col. Parker was stationed at Ramstein and Sembach Air Force Bases. They returned in 1958 to Annandale, VA when Col. Parker was again assigned to the Pentagon. While in Annandale, she ran the school cafeteria for two years. After the second stint at the Pentagon, the family moved to Hampton, VA when Col. Parker was stationed at Langley Air Force Base. Mrs. Parker was active there in the Officers’ Wives’ Club. She also enjoyed developing her golfing skills. She and the family remained in Hampton while Col. Parker served in Vietnam. In 1967, the Parkers moved to Valdosta where Col. Parker was Wing Commander at Moody Air Force Base. In Valdosta, she had many duties as the Wing Commander’s wife including oversite of the Officers’ Wives’ club. She was also active as a liaison with civilian community wives. Mrs. Parker also continued her avocations of golfing, gardening and playing bridge. Following Col. Parker’s retirement in 1971, she resided with him in Valdosta. 

Mrs. Parker was a devout Presbyterian thorough her life, holding memberships in National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, Knox Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, VA, First Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church, both in Valdosta. 

More recently, Mrs. Parker stayed active in the Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club, playing golf and being active in the Georgia Women’s Golf Association, also serving as President. She continued gardening at home and playing bridge regularly, and was visited frequently by her grandsons. 

Survivors include a son and daughter in law, Dr. Dale L. & Alice S. Allbritton of Houston, TX, and daughter and son-in-law Judith L. & Kenneth R. Elias of Madison, Virginia.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Eric Robinson of Dallas, Texas and April Leigh Borque of Kirbyville, TX. Mrs. Parker is survived by six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Col. Clarence S. Parker, her daughter, Celeste P. Robinson and a grandson, Thom Robinson.

The funeral for Mrs. Parker will be held at 3pm on March 14, 2024 at Forest Park, Lawndale Funeral Home in Houston, TX. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery in Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.