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Carol J. Parker, age 88, of Walnut Creek, Ohio, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 4, 2024. She was born Carolyn Jean Ryerson in East Orange NJ on June 2, 1935 to Raymond MacDonald Ryerson and Alice Isabella Beck Ryerson, both of whom preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Larry A. Parker, in 2015, and her son-in-law Michael Denis Busch in 2021.
Carol is survived by her three children: Debra Ann Smith (Paul) from Wheeling, WV, Douglas David Parker (Marie) from New Cumberland, WV and Diane Marie Busch from North Canton, OH; and 11 grandchildren: Desiree Smith Sowards (Joshua), Zachary Smith (Allison), Jereme Smith (Reychelle), Melodee Smith Moore (Aaron), Avery Smith, Matthew Parker (Marina), Stephanie Parker Smith (Joshua), Benjamin Parker (Courtney), Sarita Busch Solida (Ryan), Nathanael Busch (Trisha) and Rachel Busch, and 22 great grandchildren.
Carol graduated with a BS degree from Marietta College in 1957.
In 2001, Carol was ordained as a pastor with the American Baptist Churches of West Virginia.
Carol served in numerous capacities in the churches where she faithfully attended: First Baptist Church in Wheeling, WV, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Parkersburg, and Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, in Walnut Creek, OH.
She taught children and youth Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for over 50 years, was on staff as children's director at Emmanuel Baptist, was involved in leadership with women's ministry and had a heart for missions. She and Larry served with Gideons International for over 30 years.
She also volunteered in many capacities in her communities as well. She enjoyed singing in choirs and playing flute and piano. Her hobbies included gardening and sewing and reading.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 12 at 11:30 a.m at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, Walnut Creek, Ohio, Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. A lunch will be served following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either Gideons International gideons. org or Samaritan's Purse https://www. samaritanspurse.org/ our-ministry/memorial -giving/
Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery North, in Parkersburg, WV, next to her husband, Larry at a later date.