Annie Murel Sowell Payne Parker, age 86, of Crestview, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022 at her home. She was surrounded by her 5 girls and loving family as she passed. Born on September 29, 1936 in The Childrens Home Community, she lived there until moving to Crestview in 1948. Annie retired from the Okaloosa County Jail as the Kitchen Supervisor, after many years of dedicated service. Annie was loved by many and was known as Moma, Granny, Nanny and Aunt Bubba. Anyone who passed through the door on Pearl Street was greeted with a big hug and the greeting “Well, Hey Shug”!
Many friends and family enjoyed the food prepared by Annie’s hands. She made the best 7 layer cake, dressing, collards and cracklin bread in town. She had a green thumb and received many compliments through the years on her beautiful porch plants.
Every year she hosted a Christmas Party for her family. Her little house would overflow with food, family, laughter and love.
More than the cooking, gardening and hosting, Moma was known for the love she gave. She loved so well, there will always be a part of her in our hearts.
Annie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fred Sowell, Sr and Annie Adams Sowell. Beloved siblings Fred Sowell, Jr., Nolan Sowell, Woodrow Agerton, Hollis Sanford, Bobbie Richards, Jean Sanford, Linda Gray, Myrtle Ray and Hazel Davis. The father of her children Austin Payne and devoted husband Harvey Parker.
Annie is survived by her girls: Angie (Bill) Lang, Pam (Butch) Buchanan, Tamie Payne, Tina (Steve) Lawson and Patty “Deitsie” (Shon) Kennedy, as well as her bonus children Phillip Parker (deceased), Susan Henderson, Vicki (Kenny) Baker and Kathy (Ricky) Brooks.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Chris (Gretchen) Lang, Alicia (Jonathan) Lassiter, Daniel Buchanan, Miranda (Jonathan) McLeod, Amanda (Brandon) Odom, Falin (Drew) Ivy, Darin Lawson and Bryce (Christina) Kennedy and nine great grandchildren Lillie and Lilah Lassiter, Jaxon and Brylee McLeod, Beaux and Barrett Odom and Kyson, Caleb and Braden Ivy.
She is also survived by her beloved brother Donnie Sowell.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM, Tuesday, October 11, from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Donnie Cadenhead officiating. Burial will follow at Live Oak Park Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at noon on Tuesday.
The family would like to thank Moma’s caregiver, Susan Josey, who was wonderful with Moma during her last year and a half of life. We would also like to thank Regency Hospice and Moma’s nurse Sara.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
James Lawson
October 8, 2022, 11:39 pm
Fine lady. Great cook. Did a great job of raising her girls to be good cooks, honest and hard workers.
Laura Pitts
October 9, 2022, 3:30 am
Sorry about the passing of your Mom. She is a Beautiful Lady and A Kind and Lovely Friend. God Bless All your Family. We Love Y’all.
BETTY stephenson WHOBREY
October 9, 2022, 7:00 pm
so sorry for your lost ms. ann a wonderful friend who treated everyone with love and respect as a child her
girls and I had many days playing together my heart with you girls
Lorran Michelle Lane Hartsell
October 10, 2022, 2:19 am
I am thankful We got to meet this lovely Lady, I knew right away She was a great Lady, prayers for you all.
Sincerely, Michelle & Jackie Hartsell
Gloria Dotson
October 10, 2022, 9:34 pm
Deitsie and family,
My prayers are with you!!!
Love,
Gloria Dotson
Chester Tee
October 11, 2022, 5:53 pm
So sorry for your lost. Mrs Annie was a wonderful friend who treated everyone with love and respect. She always made sure the staff at the jail was taken care. A wonderful person to work with.
Susan
October 11, 2022, 6:07 pm
Condolences to the entire family. What a legacy she passes on.
Much Love,
Todd & Susan Carroll
Becky Smith
October 11, 2022, 7:36 pm
I loved Miss Anne. She always welcomed me and the grand littles over as often as we could. She was the best neighbor ever