Charlotte High Parker's Obituary
Charlotte Irene High Parker 96, passed away on November 22, 2024
surrounded by her family at her home in Belleair. She was born on
March 12, 1928 in Jacksonville, Florida to Leona Webb and Herman
Leslie High.
A fourth generation Floridian, she grew up in Jacksonville, along with
her brother Leslie. She attended area schools, spent summers on her
grandparents farm in the country, and sadly her father passed away
when she was 12. She went on to graduate from Andrew Jackson
High School, where she was a cheerleader and named Miss Andrew
Jackson of 1946.
Charlotte attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she
met her future husband, Bill Parker. While at FSU, Charlotte was a
member of the FSU cheerleading squad and was asked to cheer for
University of Florida football team at the Gator Bowl. For this she
earned a UF varsity letter, which led to many family laughs over the
years. During the summers she worked at The Florida State Board of
Health in Jacksonville.
.
After graduation from FSU, Charlotte and Bill were married in
Jacksonville, they lived in Miami and Atlanta and eventually moved to
Clearwater where they raised their six children. Her most profound
legacy is her family.
Having six children kept Charlotte quite busy, but she was always a
supportive presence and involved with any sport or activity they
participated in. She was active in all the PTA’s of the schools her
children attended, Clearwater High, St. Pauls, Ponce de Leon and
Belcher elementary school. From serving as a Den Mother, Little
League, Clearwater for Youth, hauling horses to horse shows,
lessons, recitals, swim and diving meets, football, she encouraged
her kids in all of their endeavors. If there was any interest in an
activity always she made it happen.
A sixty year plus member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in
Clearwater, Charlotte served on the Vestry, Alter Guild, was an active
member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), and was part of a
group of Moms who established the Ascension Day School. She also
served on many Guilds and taught Sunday School.
Charlotte served on the Board of Trustees at St. Pauls School, and
the Jr. and Sr. Boards of the YWCA, the United States Pony Clubs
board, a member of the Clearwater Community Women’s Club and Tri
Psi of Tri Delta.
Along with her husband she was a founding member of the FSU
Boosters and the Golden Chiefs, a member of The Bowden and Vires
Artes Mores Societies at FSU. They enjoyed traveling with the
Football team over the years. Charlotte was a great support to her
husband while he served as President of the Seminole Boosters and
the Board of Directors.
She was a member of the Belleair Country Club, Cypress Run Golf
Club, the University Center Club, the Golden Triangle and Eastern
Star. Quite the history buff and voracious reader, Charlotte had a
extensive library of history and military books. Her focus was the Civil
War and WWII, and she fortunate and loved visiting many battle sites
in the states and abroad.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of 73 years, William M. Parker,
daughters Haven Poirier and husband Steve, Dawn Doganiero,
Sharon Meek and husband Dan, Shawn Karaphillis, Heather Polanis
and husband Rob and former daughter in law Michelle Parker
Grandchildren Berkeley Poirier Michio (Michael), Brittany Koehn
Ruben (Jordan), Blake Doganiero ( Stephanie) , Charlotte Karaphillis
Kochenour (Patrick), Kaitlin Parker Yezek (Anthony), Johnny
Karaphillis. Charlotte was Great Grandmother to seven, Bronx and Beckham
Doganiero, Taylor and Parker Ruben, McKenna and Avanni Michio
and Olivia Kochenour and many special nieces and nephews.
To Mom’s amazing team of caregivers, thank you, Geri Brown, Phyllis
Clark, Maxcine Dillard and Crystal Miller for your support, devotion
and tender care of Mom. We are forever grateful.
She was predeceased by her son William Leslie Parker, mother Leona
Webb High Drinkwater, father Herman Leslie High, Sr, step father
Austin Taylor Drinkwater, brother Herman Leslie High Jr. and son in
law Philip Doganiero.
Charlotte welcomed every stage of life with dignity and grace, and
was blessed with a kind heart that embraced her family, friends and
community with equal fervor. She was thoughtful, compassionate and
kind but fiercely protective of her family. Charlotte had a way of
making people feel welcome and comfortable and always knew the
right thing to say. Simply said, she was the best.
The family will hold a private service.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlotte?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlotte?
Share a story where Charlotte's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlotte you’ll never forget.
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