ALYCE KAE PARKER

On this day, February 13, 2024, we said goodbye to our mother. She was surrounded by those who loved her, in the house where Dad and she started their family.

Alyce (don’t call her Alyce) Kae Smith was born on December 22nd, 1944 to Alice and Hugh Smith. Her big brother, Gary, was determined to be her protector from that day forward. Although she was a self-proclaimed tomboy who knew she could stand up for herself, Gary was there to swing a bat at the boys that teased her. Gary knew that his sister would grow into the woman she eventually became: strong-willed and confident, knowing that the best way to avoid confrontation was with compassion. Anyone who knew our mother knew that above all…she exuded love to the fullest. Mama was the epitome of an empath. She was always there to give advice, offer support, be a listening ear, cry with you, laugh with you, and do so with endless love.

She was born and raised in Canton, Mo. After high school she continued her academics at Culver-Stockton College, studying Education. She went on from there to venture to the East Coast to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. However, her time at Culver-Stockton was where she’d meet the man that we grew up knowing as “Dad”. Kae Smith and John Parker were wed on November 30, 1968, after his return from Vietnam. Selfishly, we think this was the most important moment in our mother’s life…because out of that marriage came us (their three children): Amy Elizabeth, Katherine Frazier, and John Matthew. 

Her career started in early education, before later moving into another public sector position as the Postmaster in Taylor, Mo. After spending around 20 years with the Postal Service, Mom wanted to get back to what she was truly passionate about; teaching deaf education and speech pathology. She started teaching in the Quincy Public School District where she spent the next 20 years touching the lives of countless students. Mom wasn’t just a teacher, she was a guiding light for so many children who would tell you today just how important “Mrs. Parker” was in their lives. Mom knew that education didn’t stop in the classroom and was always willing to do whatever it took to make sure that her students were cared for. After her time in Quincy, she would finish her teaching career in her hometown of Canton.

Upon retirement, Mom would have a new, but welcome challenge: caring for her grandchildren. Mia, Maddox, and Quinn were her pride and joy. Most of her later life was spent with her grandchildren right by her side. Whether it was taking Mia and Quinn to dance, or listening to Maddox read a Magic Treehouse book every night to her, “Ahma” was in her happy place.

We will always be unapologetically proud to call her, the “Best Mother in the World”. That is what she was. Many who knew her but were not blood-related, consider her to be like a mother to them. There is no greater blessing, no higher honor, and no better gift than being Kae Parker’s kids. We love you, Mama…a bushel and a peck.

Kae Parker is survived by her children and spouses Amy (Brandon), Kate (Adam), Matt (Mellissa); grandchildren Mia, Maddox, Quinn; brother and spouse Gary (Joann); niece and spouse Susan (Steve); and nephew Jeffrey.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home in Canton with Rev. David Yonker officiating with speaker, Susan Barg. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until time of services in the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers: Bentley Bunch, Zach Clark, Judy Dubois, Hemchand Gossai, Sara Beth Jones, Neal Miller, Bob Morrison, and Andrew Scott.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Canton Public Library.

Online condolences may be made at www.davis-fh.com