Mary Helen Parker Costner (“GranGran”), 91, of York, S.C., departed a life she loved dearly on Jan. 20, 2026.
She faced many health challenges over the last four years, and she fought hard to overcome each one. Most of the time she did. But this last time, she slipped peacefully into heaven, welcomed with open arms by the family members who went before her.
GranGran was born on Feb. 24, 1934, to Ernest Thomas Parker and Martha Ellen Hickson Parker in Heidelberg. She was deeply proud of her Mississippi roots and lived her life with the warmth, charm and strength for which Mississippians are known. A wonderful Southern cook, GranGran’s cornbread, green beans and lemon ice-box pies were the treasures of every family gathering.
She came from a proud family of nurses and built a remarkable 40-year nursing career of her own — most of it spent in the operating room, where her steady hands, caring heart and grace-under-pressure touched countless lives. GranGran’s tenacity, unfailing support and deep devotion to those she loved was unparalleled.
While her husband completed two tours in Vietnam, she remained stateside working and raising two small children. Even as her children grew, she never stopped being their quiet source of strength —encouraging them to pursue their dreams while always standing firmly behind them. She would truly do anything for her family. As her family grew, so did her love. The light and joy of GranGran’s life were her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren — from planning Easter-egg hunts, to faithfully attending their activities, to making sure their favorite foods were always around. She made each one of them feel uniquely special and deeply loved, like they hung the moon and stars.
Those who knew GranGran know that she possessed a quick, razor-sharp wit and a gift for storytelling like no other. All it took was one unexpected, perfectly placed comment and everyone around would erupt in laughter. Days later, you would find yourself thinking about it again and laughing just as hard. Her stories were so vibrant and full of life that you could picture every detail, even if you had not been there.
GranGran was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Joseph W. Costner Sr.; her parents; her three beloved brothers, Gene Parker, Lewis Parker and Harmon Parker; and her two adored sisters, Scelstine Creel and Doris Bush.
She is survived by her son Joe Costner Jr. (Dr. Brenda Halsey) of Rock Hill, S.C.; her daughters Bebbie Baker (Michael) of High Point, N.C., and Barbie Kolatis (Michael) of Fort Mill, S.C.; her five grandchildren, Eric Baker, Alex Costner (Jordan), Blake Costner, Belle Kolatis and Parker Kolatis; her great-grandsons Kielan Costner and Brooks Costner; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
The family invites all who wish to come and share a GranGran story to Greene’s Funeral Home, 2133 Ebenezer Road in Rock Hill from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. A private family ceremony will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://fundraising.stjude.org. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.
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