Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 18, 2017

Anna Sue Crenshaw Parker Keeter, 96, died May 18, 2017, at her home of the past 35 years, the place where she always found peace and happiness.

Born in Belmont, N.C., on May 11, 1921, she moved when a young girl to Charlotte, where she lived for the rest of her life. In 1943 she married A.L. "Buddy" Parker, Jr. while still a student at Queens College. That year she was the May Queen. After graduating, she and Buddy operated a small flower shop at Ivey's, later joining Buddy's mother in operating, and later owning, The Blossom Shop Florist. For decades brides in Charlotte walked down the aisle holding the delicate bouquets she crafted for them on their special day.

Several years after Buddy's death in 1978, Sue married L. Worth Keeter, Jr. Until Worth’s death in 2004, they traveled often as a result of Worth’s leadership role with the National Truck Equipment Association. After retiring from the floral business she worked well into her 80s at the Black Lion.

Until her health began to decline in her early 90s, Sue remained active in her church and was a fixture at the Harris Y, where she took water exercise and played bridge. In all her activities, but particularly as a florist, Sue touched the lives of countless people, often during the most important events in their lives – births, marriages and deaths. She was often stopped by her old customers, who remembered and thanked her for her concern, care and compassion at those times. Those traits were on even stronger display toward her family and friends.

Surviving are her daughter, Suzy Hamilton (David); son, Van Parker (Jennifer); two granddaughters, Hadley and Anna Parker; stepchildren Worth Keeter III (Talmadge Ragan); Cammie Keeter (Jimmie Stone); and Mark Keeter; and step-grandson, Austin Alexander.

As she grew older, her greatest desire was to remain at home. She was able to do this thanks to the care and attention of a small group of caregivers. There were many, but the family especially wants to thank Geraldine Hunter, Nora Horton, Sherae Miller, Michaela Collins and Laura Wilcox.

A visitation is scheduled at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017, in the Parish Hall at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 2701 Park Road in Charlotte. Funeral will be at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Forest Lawn West.  Memorials may be made to Queens University in Charlotte or to Holy Comforter.