Carol Lynn Parker (nee Cragun)
1939 – 2024
Carol Lynn Parker (nee Cragun) of Bay Point California passed away in the wee hours of May 21, 2024 at the age of 85 following a sudden illness after years of slowly declining health.
She was born the third of seven children to Cecil Laverne and Gladys V. Aikens Cragun on March 25, 1939 in Pleasant View, Utah. She Graduated from Weber high school and the Ogden/Weber ATC.
She Married Darrell Douglas Parker in 1958, with whom she had 4 children. They were later divorced. Subsequently, she spent many happy years with her life partner, James Carl (aka JC or grampa Jimmy) Johnson who passed away in 1991.
In Utah she worked at the Defence Depot Ogden, Paramount Bowl and the IRS. In 1977 she moved to Northern California, where she spent her remaining years enjoying the sunshine and staying away from the snow which she deeply disdained! She worked as a computer operator for the US Navy. Carol loved children, she knew every nursery rhyme and the words to countless children’s songs and verses. Always coming up with the proper verse at the opportune time. In her retirement years, she had the pleasure of working as a crossing guard helping the children to stay safe on their way to and from school. After retirement, she spent her time living vicariously through the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren who were the apple of her eye. She loved word games, crafting, sewing, painting and watching game shows on the TV. Every grandchild has a memory of the fabulous Halloween costumes she sewed for them. She loved sending birthday cards and she had a knack for picking the perfect card to express the sentiment that matched her feelings.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, one son; Jeffrey Dell Parker, and 5 siblings; Cecil Cragun, Pat Zabel, Larry Cragun, Janae Jackson and Randy Cragun and her brother-in-law Jerry Zabel.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Douglas Scott & Ludy Parker, John & Yvonne Parker of Bay Point Ca, and Vicki & Jim Berger of Huntsville Utah. Her legacy was her Grandchildren and their spouses; Marilou & Ron Stewart, Jessica & Nate Martinez, Jacob & Paige Williamson-Bringhurst, John Anthony & Melissa Parker, Scott (aka Champ) Parker, Jennica & Eric Bringhurst-Nakamura, John (aka Jack) Berger, Bailee & Justin Oriezi, Lauren Parker, and Michael & Paul Reynolds-Berger. She is also survived by her Great Grandchildren whom she worshiped; Antonio Martinez, Connor Stewart, Desmond Quintana, Eliza Berger and Leo Nakamura.
She has one surviving brother Robert Michael (Mick) & his wife Donna Cragun, along with the spouses of her siblings, Carol Anne Cragun, Jeanne Cragun, David Jackson and Betsy Cragun. Coming from such a large family, she had countless nieces and nephews whose names and birthdates she always remembered.
A Fiercely independent person, Carol cared deeply about the feelings of others, hated feeling dependent and was very unhappy if she felt she was inconveniencing anyone, even those who wanted nothing more than to offer loving assistance. She did not like funerals and felt strongly that one NOT be held in her honor. She expressed the desire to be cremated with her ashes spread to the winds from Ben Lomond Peak, the mountain whose shadows she grew up beneath. In keeping with her wishes the family has decided to hold a private celebration of life at a later date.
Cremation overseen by Alta Vista Crematorium in Martinez California. Condolences can be shared at AltaVistaCremation@sbcglobal.net.