Obituary of Joyce Parker

Joyce Marilyn Kriesick Parker, 82, widow of Eli McFaddin “Mac” Parker, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Wellmore of Lexington. She was born October 8, 1942, in Watertown, New York. A daughter of the late John Robert Kriesick and the late Rhoda Hooker. Joyce spent time as a candy striper and pursued a degree in nursing but found her real passion in cosmetology and making others look great and feel confident. She worked until she was nearly 80 years old as a master barber with 50+ years of experience and shared her knowledge with students at Kenneth Shuler, where she served as an instructor. She owned and operated Capital Quarters in the Historic Arcade Mall in downtown Columbia where she took pride in serving the “who’s who” of the Capital City over many generations. Joyce loved her craft so much that she would give back to her community by offering cuts to the kids at Epworth Children’s Home. She was an avid Carolina Gamecocks fan and loved baseball. After closing the shop for the day, Joyce spent countless weeknights and weekends parking cars and greeting families before the games in the yard of their family home across from Founder’s Park. She enjoyed a Coca-Cola (hold the ice) and a McDonalds ice cream cone on her patio, where she could admire her many rose bushes and solar lights. She is survived by two sons, Charles Robert “Huey” Taylor, and Eli McFaddin Parker, II (Hannah); a daughter, Laurel Parker Gaddy (Christopher Mark); four grandchildren, Caleigh Taylor Williamson (Thomas), Charles Roman Taylor, Theron McFaddin Gaddy and Kieryn Gaddy; and a great grandchild, Bryce Williamson. She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Karen Osborne Taylor; two brothers, Jack Kriesick, and Steven Kriesick; and a sister, Glory Kriesick Johnson. The family will receive friends from 11 AM – 1 PM Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. The family would like to extend their thanks to her caregiving team for their love and care for Joyce. Memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.