Larita "Lissy" Mckay Parker

Lissy McKay Parker – Cashiers, North Carolina

Lissy Parker was called home by the Lord on Tuesday, May 20, surrounded by her family and the mountain beauty she loved so much. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, she graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1972 and The University of Southern Mississippi in 1976. She worked as an accountant at Deloach and Company in Atlanta, where she met her husband and best friend of 42 years, Billy Parker.

Lissy and Billy shared a love for exploring the back roads of western North Carolina and for restoring and bringing her special charm to homes in the Highlands/Cashiers area to enhance the beauty of the plateau. Lissy created a welcoming home and garden in Cashiers, overlooking Old Bald Mountain. It became a reflection of Lissy’s thoughtful eye and appreciation for well-crafted, beautiful spaces. One of her favorite date nights was to enjoy her famous karaoke, champagne golf cart rides at a neighboring golf course and girls’ camp.

Through her blog, LissyParker.com, she wrote about interior design, gardens, antiques, renovations, food, and dogs—sharing not to build a brand, but to offer ideas and joy. Her voice was kind, observant, and generous, and she took genuine pleasure in the creativity and success of others.

Known for her warm spirit and positive outlook, “Positive Lissy” had a gift for seeing and sharing beauty in everyday life. She was an encourager, someone who had a God-given sense for sharing the right words with others at just the right time.

Lissy was a member of The Junior League of Atlanta, the Habersham Garden Club, Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta, Mountaintop in Cashiers, The Country Club of Sapphire Valley in Sapphire, NC, and Community Bible Church in Highlands, NC.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and her dogs, Janie and Gracie.

Lissy is survived by her husband, William Robert (Billy) Parker of Cashiers, NC; her son, Alastair Wakefield Parker; her grandson, Easton Wakefield Parker, both of Clayton, NC; and her brother, David Edward McKay of Hattiesburg, MS.

A family graveside service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Highlands, NC.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Highlands, NC at 3:00 PM at Community Bible Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, P.O. Box 865, Cashiers, NC 28717.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Parker family.