Laura Ann Parker

Laura Ann Parker, 79, passed away on May 5, 2024, after a 6-week fight with Stage 4 spinal cancer.

Born in Smithfield, NC, Laura was the oldest of eleven children who worked among sharecroppers in tobacco fields. She attended the University of North Carolina, enjoyed careers in banking and human resources, and ultimately founded one of the most successful woman-owned advertising agencies in the world.

Laura incorporated as President and CEO of Lancaster-based Parker Advertising Service, Inc. in 1991, where she proudly served many of the Fortune 500 with recruitment advertising solutions.  With her daughter, Jaca, and a handful of incredibly talented young professionals, the company grew to require Baltimore and Atlanta offices to meet business demands. The agency's success was recognized by industry associations including Inc. Magazine as a candidate for then titled "Top 500 Fastest-Growing Companies."  Steady at the helm for over 25 years, Laura’s clients and staff describe her as a creative captain, mentor, and a fiercely independent entrepreneur who will never be forgotten.

Laura loved hosting luncheons for two or events for 200; reminiscent of those described on pages of The Great Gatsby. She was a loyal friend and benevolent neighbor, donating time and resources to Lancaster area museums, foundations, and political interests.

It was easy to catch her enjoying retirement - with potting soil on her forehead, surrounded by gardening supplies, perfecting her flowerbeds in the warm Carolina sunshine. Laura was a landscape wizard and creator of beautiful spaces both outside and inside her home. She answered every phone call by the second ring. And oh yes, she had the right shoes and purse for that outfit.

In hospice for just two very tender hours, Laura said goodbye to her nine siblings, saving her final moments for Jaca. Surviving are daughters Jaca White Spangler (Reid) of Lancaster, PA, and Jessica White Trimmer (Byron) of Raleigh, NC; grandsons Alex, Brennan, Camden, and Carson; and 9 beloved sisters and brothers: Janice, Wanda, Cynthia, Sylvia, Edie, Phil, Jerry, Tim and Anthony, all of NC.  Dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her sweet sister, Brenda; father Wilson Wellons Parker and mother
Flossie Cobb Parker; and father of her daughters, James Thomas White, Clayton NC.

Memorial services to be determined by the family. Cremation arrangements by Donaldson Funeral Home, Pittsboro, NC. Condolences may be shared at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Parker family.