Mrs. Jewell B. Parker, a lady known for her ambition, her Southern grace and her impact on the Statesboro community passed away Friday afternoon. She was 96 years old.
Friends remember Ms. Parker’s dedication, loyalty to friends and family and her passion for working with people. Most of all, she is known for her hard work, and many friends commented on the fact she was at her desk at Parker Apartments on South Main Street when she died of natural causes.
“Such a grand lady,” said Jack Orman. “A beautiful entertainer. Her historical knowledge of rural Georgia was unbelievable.”
Kathryn Olliff admired her friend’s work ethic.
“Her mind was as sharp as a tack, and she always said she was born with a pencil in her hand,” she recalled. “She went like she wanted to. I would like to live as long and be as sharp.”
Charlie Olliff said Parker “never stopped working. She was always busy. She was busy with the apartments and entertaining friends. Jewell was a nice friend to have. I’ve known her all my life.”
Jewell Parker was married to F. C. Parker Jr., who died at age 87 in 1998. Her son, Frank C. Parker III, is Statesboro’s city manager and also has interest in the Parker Realty and Parker Apartments business. Ms. Parker also has daughters Marjorie Holzman and Edith Daniel, as well as several grandchildren.
The family owned Parker Stockyards, on Stockyard Road, for several years.
“I’ve never known a nicer lady,” said Helen Watson. “She was so smart, and could handle her job right to the very end. She was brilliant, fair, and a good businesswoman. I’m really sad. She was a wonderful lady.”
Kathryn Olliff said Parker was “A very generous person. She was just a queen- a great lady.”
Orman said not many may remember how Parker was a wonderful cook, too. When she was younger, she never catered affairs – she always prepared the food herself, he said.
“She was an awesome cook – especially with seafood casseroles,” he said. “So graceful, a wonderful person to students to whom she rented apartments – a great family person. Just a sweet lady.”
Funeral arrangements for Parker were incomplete Friday. The funeral will be handled by Joiner Anderson Funeral Home.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.