Franklin - Shelby Jones Parker, 88, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. Born on April 16, 1938, she was the daughter of the late John Henry Jones and Lalah Wheeler Jones. She was also predeceased by her husband, Edgar Franklin Parker, two brothers, Sam Henry Jones and Robert Louis Jones, and her grandson Sam Davis Bergsagel.

Shelby attended Conway High School. She had several jobs during her lifetime but her favorite was at Paul D. Camp Community College where she worked for 23 years. She and Edgar were married for sixty-two years, a partnership that defined her life in the best way. He was her steady companion and best friend. They built a life together with family, friends, and the routines they enjoyed the most. After his passing life grew quieter and more difficult but the years they spent together remained her greatest constant.

In her earlier years she embraced life with energy and style. She loved travel, enjoyed dining out, never passed up a chance to shop, and kept her regular hair appointments. She valued time with her friends, especially around a card table where conversation and laughter came easily.   She was a member of the Franklin Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and found both community and comfort.

She is survived by her children, Larry Edgar Parker (Angela), Susan Parker Bergsagel (John), and her grandchildren Margaret Parker Brunner (Will), Hannah Parker Holloway (Brandon), Elizabeth Parker Sessions (Tyler), Parker Daniel Bergsagel, Caroline Shelby Koch (JR), and three great grandchildren Parker, Gray, and Mary Alice Brunner. Though she didn't see her grandchildren as often as she would have liked, they were always part of her story.

She will be remembered for the life she shared with Edgar and the friendships she held onto over the years.

The family would like to thank her very loyal caregivers Youlanda Dent, Audrey Lee, and Margie Haskins as well as the wonderful staff at The Village at Woods Edge.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Wright Funeral Home. Burial will be private at Poplar Spring Cemetery.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org