Jeanne Hitt Parker of Tryon passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 in the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills, Landrum.
Jeanne was an abstract artist and an avid supporter of the arts. She was born Oct. 22, 1918 in Culpepper, Va. She was the only child of the late Walter Lyman and Veva Clarke Hitt. Her father’s work with Westinghouse transferred the family to Pittsburg, Pa. Jeanne attended school in Wilkinsburg, Pa. She graduated from Wilkinsburg High School and attended Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, where she earned a B.A. degree in English with a minor in fine arts.
After graduating college, Jeanne married Frank Coombs Parker on Sept. 6, 1942. They lived in Washington, D.C., Ocala and Orlando, Fla., Chicago, Ill. and Rochester, N.Y. Frank retired from Bausch and Lomb as head attorney with the patent department. They moved to Tryon in 1982 and Frank passed away in 1984.
Jeanne became very active and dedicated her time and talent to Tryon Painters and Sculptors. For many years, she selected the artist for the gallery exhibits, bringing an array of outstanding artists and art shows to the Tryon Fine Arts Center. She also served as TPS treasurer for many years.
Jeanne was elected to the “Second Wind Hall of Fame” in November 1987. Jeanne faithfully served on the executive board of the Tryon Fine Arts Center as secretary for 20 years. She became secretary emerita in 2010.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Dr. Darryl E. Maxwell officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, N.C. 28782; Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722; Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, N.C. 28722 or a charity of one’s choice.
An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.
McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.