LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Rebekah Cloninger Parker, age 52, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Originally from Charlotte, NC, Rebekah was a devoted housewife and homemaker who cherished her family and a lifelong love of reading. The steady rhythms of home and family were her greatest joys. Rebekah also treasured the annual tradition of attending the Spring and Christmas shows with her family and her best friend. Those who knew her well knew her for her unwavering love, patience, and her ability to make simple outings into treasured memories. She had a steady strength, presence, and made ordinary days feel full.
John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Rebekah is lovingly survived by her husband of over 26 years, Jason Parker, with whom their relationship began as love at first sight; her son, Jacob; her daughter, Raleigh; her mother, Rebecca Cloninger of Charlotte; her sister, Wendy Mancino of Winston-Salem; her niece, Adrian York; her nephews, Carmine York and Ryan Lee; her best friend, Brandy Lee of Sherrills Ford, NC; aunts and numerous uncles; and many special cousins.
She is preceded in death by numerous family members of strong character, whose influences she carried with her daily.
The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Rebekah will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 8, 2026, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends and family from 10:00am to 11:00am, prior to the service at Burgess Funeral Home at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks: Donations Processing Center Autism Speaks, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
