October 31, 1928 – October 28, 2024
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~ Mae West
Mary “Sue” Parker Walker Anderson was born in Vivian, LA on October 31, 1928, and died in Natchitoches, LA on October 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband and the father of her children, Tony Walker; her second husband, Andy Anderson; her parents Dessie and Jack Parker Sr.; her sisters Jimmie Doerge, Shirley Young, and Billie Hindsman; her brothers Jack Parker, Jr. and Pat Parker; and her niece Lori Brown.
She is survived by her son David Walker and his wife Pearl; daughter Vickey Talton and her husband Reggie; sisters-in-law Lynette Parker and Vera Parker; brother-in-law Bill Young; nieces, Debra Stockstill, Susan Woollen, Becky Lacour, and Sherri Walters; nephew, Jack Parker III; nephew-in-law, Alan Brown; a host of grand and great nieces and nephews; and dear friend Clara Henderson.
Sue was born on her family farm on Halloween night, and she gave a subtle nod to her unique birthday by working a bit of mystery into her persona, which made her a ton of fun. She was brave, bold, witty, smart, sassy, adventurous, and tenacious. She knew things. She wasn’t nosy, but she was keenly observant, and she listened intently when people spoke. She was acutely aware of her surroundings, and she always knew the details of what was going on in the lives of her large and loving extended family because they shared with her their innermost secrets, confident that she would never betray their trust.
She knew from a young age that she had a knack for doing hair, and she loved helping women become the best version of themselves. She went to beauty school upon graduating from high school and owned several beauty salons in different cities throughout her career, the most notable being Sue’s Beauty Shop that she operated in Many, LA for 50 years.
When she was not working, she filled her days with her family, friends, and favorite hobbies, including salmon fishing in Alaska, golfing in Hot Springs Village, boating and floating on Toledo Bend and Cane River, cruising Lake Ouachita on a houseboat, playing the slots and catching the shows in Las Vegas, taking in the sights and soaking up the culture in Germany and France, visiting friends in Sweden, mud dogging on her farm in Vivian, cheering on NSU, LSU, the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys, devouring newspapers from front to back, settling in with a good novel, gardening, and cooking, which always involved preparing her legendary pork roast for any family gathering. Thanksgiving turkey always ran a distant second when Sue’s Pork Roast was on the menu. She filled her 96 years on Earth building meaningful relationships and reaching for the brass ring with every new idea, adventure, and experience. Her life made a difference in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gorsulowsky Funeral Home in Vivian. Graveside services will be conducted at Vivian Cemetery by Reverend Richard Beeman on Friday, November 1, at 11 am. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Parker, III, Dean Stockstill, Mark Woollen, Tommy Lacour, Alan Brown, Parker Lacour, Daniel Walters, Kane Walters, Joe Landrum, and Ed Smith.
Sue loved animals and had many pets through the years, but she always had an especially soft place in her heart for her beloved dog, Lollie. When Lollie died, she buried her at the family farm in Vivian, a favorite spot for both of them. After she moved to Natchitoches, she supported and stayed abreast of FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals), the local animal rescue group, and she was excited about the prospect of a new animal shelter for the community. Those who wish to honor her memory may do so by donating to the FAUNA Shelter Fund, P.O. Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (https://www.npfauna.org/donate/), or to a cause of their choice.
