Barbara Parker Byrum

   Barbara Dunn Parker Byrum, 92, formerly of Sunbury, NC, and more recently of Lake Prince Retirement Community in Suffolk, VA, died Sunday, July 30, 2017.

   Mrs. Byrum was born in Ahoskie, Hertford County, on June 22, 1925, and was the daughter of the late Dewey C., Sr. and Bernice Dunn Parker. A graduate of Ahoskie High School and East Carolina Teacher’s College, now East Carolina University, where she was listed in “Who’s Who” in Colleges and Universities, she had taught school in both the Suffolk, VA and Sunbury, NC school systems. A faithful member of Damascus Christian Church, she had taught the Adult Sunday School Class for over 40 years, and had sung in the church choir for 57 years. After moving to Lake Prince, she became active in its activities and had sung with The Golden Voices for 11 years. Another area of enjoyment was her membership in the Sunbury Woman’s Club.

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James Carroll Byrum, Sr.; and by her brothers, William “Bill” Parker, Murray Parker, and Dewey Parker, Jr.

   Surviving are her son, James C. “Jimmy” Byrum, Jr. and wife Debbie of Sunbury; and two grandchildren, Joe Byrum of Kona, Hawaii, and Leigh Ann Byrum of Beaufort, NC.

   Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in Damascus Christian Church and will be conducted by the Revs. Mark Wethington and Wayne Gardner. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements. Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service, and other times at Jimmy and Debbie’s home, 376 NC Hwy 32, Sunbury.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Damascus Christian Church, in care of Michelle Sawyer, 372 Sugar Run Road, Sunbury, NC 27979.

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to her caregiver, Lilly Jernigan; to the staffs of Loving Care and Home Instead Home Care Agencies, and to Sarah and the other employees of Heartland Hospice.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.