Andrea Nicole (Childress) Parker

Mrs. Andrea Nicole Childress Parker, 47, of Mount Vernon, passed away from this life on November 26, 2025 at Hospice Care Plus Compassionate Care Center, surrounded by her husband, family, and friends. She was born on June 17, 1978 in Somerset, Kentucky to Kenneth Childress and Sharon Bishop.

 Andrea brought joy, warmth, and light to everyone she encountered. She lived her life to the fullest and especially enjoyed traveling. Andrea found joy in cooking and sharing meals with those she loved. She was always both excited and humbled by the thoughtfulness of fresh flowers and cards of sympathy, support, and prayer.

In September, 2022, Andrea was diagnosed with colon cancer. Though she was given only a short time to live, she chose to face her prognosis with remarkable courage and grace rather than be limited by it. Throughout her chemotherapy treatments, she continued traveling with her husband and their beloved dog, Rosa Parks. Together they went on many day-long trips, multiple vacations, and spent holidays surrounded by friends and family. Andrea continued to follow her favorite sports teams---the Reds, the Cats, the Bengals, and the Rockets. Despite her illness, she would brave the cold on early spring evenings to watch her nephew, Sawyer, and his teammates at high school baseball games. Like any true fan, she would follow them online when her health prevented her from attending. 

In the past few months, Andrea displayed the purest courage through her outgoing personality and adventurous spirit. She reinforced already existing friendships and built new ones. Many of her friends became a second family by traveling great distances to spend time with her and checking on her well-being on a daily basis. Through all the pain and setbacks, her heart was always turned towards others. She possessed a unique gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for.

In addition to her parents, Kenneth and Sharon, Andrea is survived by her devoted husband, Gary “Sonny” Parker, Jr., who she married on November 24, 2016.  She is also survived by her beloved grandmother, Kathleen Bishop, her sister, Amy Yates (John) and her cherished niece and nephew, Laurel and Sawyer Yates, who she was immensely proud of. Andrea was also blessed with a large extended family, both maternal and paternal, that she loved deeply.

Sonny’s family became her own. Survivors include her in-laws, Gary and Judy Parker, Sr. of Mount Vernon and Iris Singleton of Mount Vernon.  Additional in-laws include Nacole Smith (Stacy), Chris Dillingham (April), and Jason Dillingham (Tasha) of Mount Vernon and their children: Markus Hupp-Smith (Desiree), Jordan Smith, Kaylee Smith, Bella Smith, and Jenna Smith, Landon Dillingham, Averi Dillingham, River Dillingham, and Ronan Dillingham as well as three great-nieces.

Andrea is also survived by one of her oldest and dearest friends, Amy Whitter Roberts (Kevin). Together, they shared countless adventures, including a Caribbean cruise in the final months of Andrea’s life. Andrea adored Amy’s daughter, Vera, whose sweet drawings always brightened her days. Amy spent many hours caring for Andrea during her last days, offering unwavering support and love. Additionally, Andrea’s aunt, Rhonda Childress, played a vital role in her care and was always ready to be by her side whenever needed.

 Andrea was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Billy Bishop, who she adored, as well as her paternal grandparents, Jesse and Rissie Childress; her uncles, Robbin Bishop, Terry “Bo” Childress, and Ricky Childress; and her sister-in-law, Amanda Parker.

 Andrea will always be remembered for her gentle spirit, radiant smile, love of adventure, and her ability to make others feel needed and cared for. She touched an untold number of people during her life and inspired countless more with her strength and bravery in the face of death. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and grace.

 Visitation for Mrs. Andrea Parker will be Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals.

 Funeral service will be Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals with Bro. Jason Medley officiating. Burial will follow at Piney Grove Cemetery. 

Casket bearers will be Quenton Bishop, Kevin Grier, Jordan Smith, Mark Hupp-Smith, John Yates and Sawyer Yates

Honorary casket bearers will be Jesse Childress, Terry Neal, Benny Childress, Danny Childress, Donnie Childress, and Jerry Childress.