Jesse Lee Parker

Jesse Lee Parker, 75, of Morganton, NC, passed away Friday, March 30, 2012, following a long and courageous battle with myelofibrosis. Born in Burke County, NC, on June 27, 1936, he was the son of the late William Andrew "Bill" Parker and Nadie Chapman Parker. Jesse was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Era and was very proud of his military service. He was a member, deacon, choir member, and served on various committees at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where his legacy will live on through his musical contributions.Jesse is survived by his wife of 45 wonderful years, JoAnn Huffman Parker; a son, Jason Parker of Morganton; a daughter, Hilda Parker of Morganton; brothers, William Andrew "W.A." Parker and wife, Ruth, of Morganton and Raeford Dean Parker of Connelly Springs, NC; sisters, Joie Dayberry of Morganton, Buna Lane and husband, Henry, of Taylorsville, NC, Eunice McCoy of Morganton, Aileen Attaway of Morganton, and Mary McNeely and husband, Jerry, of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene Parker, William Zane "Ted" Parker, and Robert Furman Parker; and two sisters, Beulah Mae Parker and Julie Ann Parker.The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence on Enola Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Music Ministry, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 43, P.O. 572, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.