Cherie Hale Parker

Barbara “Cherie” Hale Parker, age 59, of Jackson, TN, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Memphis, TN, on July 26, 1963, she was the daughter of Dr. Bob D. Hale and the late Joyce Johnson Hale. She graduated from Haywood High School in Brownsville, TN, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Her working career was as Director of the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, then in Public Relations for Lifeline Blood Services in Jackson, TN, where she retired after 28 years of service. Many would recognize her from numerous commercials encouraging people to give the gift of life through blood donations.

Cherie had a heart for serving others, especially through mission and ministry opportunities. She traveled twice to Ukraine to work in orphanages, served ladies and children through Hartland Place Ministries, helped organize and speak at numerous events, sang in the choir, and enjoyed serving with her husband in teaching Bible classes. She would want everyone to know that her Christian Faith was the most important part of her life, and she regularly shared that message with others, not just in her words, but in the way she lived her life and loved others.

Spending time with her multitude of friends and family members was a joy of hers. She was artistically gifted and creative, and many people have been blessed by her artwork which focused on Christ and family relationships. She was also passionate about cooking and decorating and was an incredible hostess for family and friends on special occasions. Traveling was yet another passion, and she was fortunate to have been able to travel all over the world.

Approximately 15 years ago, Cherie decided to take tennis lessons. Her coach was less than impressed with her skills but was won over by her winning smile and personality. In a game where love usually means nothing, this time it was everything. Her coach, James Parker, found his lifelong “partner” in Cherie.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, James Parker, of Jackson, TN; father, Dr. Bob D. Hale, of Humboldt, TN; sister, Beth Hale Cathey (Roger), of Oakfield, TN; son, Bobby Parker (Chelsea), of Hendersonville, TN; daughter, Karen Chapman (Brandon), of Jackson, TN; niece, Elizabeth James (Jon), of Humboldt, TN; nephews, Christian Cathey and Cannon Cathey, of Oakfield, TN and Carson Cathey, of Nutley, NJ; great-nephew, William James; great-niece, Allie James, of Humboldt, TN; grandsons, Ford Parker and Fisher Parker, of Hendersonville, TN, plus an abundance of extended family and friends. Cherie placed great importance on nurturing relationships and making others feel loved and valued—to know her was to love her and to be loved deeply.

SERVICE: A Celebration of Life for Cherie will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Brother Stacy McCollum officiating. The burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Pallbearers to serve will be Roger Cathey, Christian Cathey, Carson Cathey, Cannon Cathey, Jon James, Bobby Parker, and Brandon Chapman.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org .


Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W. University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305
731-668-1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com