Elaine Parker

Elaine Raye Handy Parker, aged 84 years, passed away at her home on January 24, 2020. Elaine was born on October 21, 1935 in Danville, Virginia to David Ray Handy and Ada Cecile Harris Handy. She attended Schoolfield High School until its closure in 1953, and graduated as Salutatorian from George Washington High School in Danville in 1954. She attended both Longwood College and Averett College, from which she graduated in 1958 with a degree in education, earning K-12 licensure. She was employed by the Danville Public School System as an elementary school teacher, specializing in fourth and sixth grades, and helped to develop the system’s Gifted and Talented educational programs. Over her career she taught at both West End School and Cedarbrook Elementary School (later known as Townes Lea Elementary.) She retired from full-time teaching in 1994 after thirty-five years of service.    Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally with her family. A lifelong supporter of animals, she welcomed many cats and a dog into the family over the years and was a devoted pet parent all her life. Elaine was a member of Pilot International during her professional career, and was also a supporter of the Schoolfield Museum. She is remembered by her family, friends and colleagues as a loving mother, grandmother and sister, a fierce advocate for quality education, an amazing cook, a ridiculously successful gardener and a lively, funny companion.    Elaine was married to Arthur Harfield Parker in 1958, and they have one daughter, Melissa Carol Parker Taverner. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and her sister, Doris Marie Handy. She is survived by her sister, Lynda Carol Handy, her daughter and son-in-law, David John Taverner, and granddaughters, Rachel Charlotte Taverner Titus and Jordan Catherine Taverner.    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Danville Area Humane Society (P.O. Box 3352 Danville, VA 24543 or dahs.com) to honor Mrs. Parker’s life and legacy.