Bettye Diann Woods Parker, 71, of Grenada, MS, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, after a battle with Alzheimer's at The Home Place in Madison, MS, surrounded by her family.

Diann was born on July 8, 1954, to W.C. & Betty Strickland Woods in Eupora, MS. She grew up as a faithful member of First Baptist Church Eupora, where she joyfully served in the singing group, Genesis, and followed in her father's footsteps playing on the basketball team throughout her school years. After graduating from Eupora High School in 1972, she went on to earn her BS in English and Social Work and a Master's degree in Literature from Mississippi University for Women, where she graduated in 1977.

Diann began her 41-year teaching career at Mathiston High School in 1978, where she taught Sr. English for 2 years. During this time, she met and married her husband, Thomas Harmon (Tommy) Parker, on August 2, 1980. They moved to Calhoun City, where she taught Jr/Sr English at Calhoun Academy for 6 years. She spent the majority of her teaching years at Kirk Academy in Grenada, MS, where she taught Jr/Sr English and acted as sponsor for the annual staff, beauty review, and drama club. She poured her passion, love, and support into everything she did for her students. She pushed her students to excellence and believed they were always capable of more than they could imagine. She was instrumental in creating and publishing The Raider yearbook, which won numerous national awards during her years of leadership. She finished her long and distinguished career at the Grenada branch of Holmes Community College, where she retired as an honored teacher in May of 2019.

She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Grenada, MS, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the church choir, and played the piano for Sunday services for many years. Her passion for serving others and sharing her faith also extended to Ukraine when she stepped out on faith and joined her sister in ministering to people through medical mission trips. She truly represented the love of God in all she did, with her family, at work, and in her community.

As much as she loved serving at church and teaching, she loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Her parents set a beautiful example of what it meant to be present in the lives of their children and grandchildren. In the same way, she took her role as mother and grandmother very seriously. Whether driving to Jackson or following baseball games, she was always there to support her daughters, grandchildren, and family.

Diann left a lasting impression on so many lives, but she was best known for her funny personality. Her joy and passion were contagious, and she rarely left a room without making everyone laugh or leaving them with a memory that still brings a smile years later. If you simply crossed paths with her, or if you were blessed enough to be loved by her, then you understand the gift you've been given to carry her memory with you.

She is survived by two daughters, Demeka Parker Harrington of Madison, MS and Kayla Parker Schraenkler of Grenada, MS; three grandchildren: Clayton Thomas Parkerson, Abby Grace Parkerson, and Tyler Bryant Schraenkler; one sister, Jan Woods McMurphy (Pat) of Olive Branch, MS; one nephew, Justin Coley McMurphy, of Southaven, MS; and two nieces, Anna Lora Whitley (Matt) of Franklin, TN and Jenna Lynn Swartout (Joe) of New Orleans, LA, along with many other family and friends who will miss her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Caffey Woods, her parents, W.C. and Betty Woods, and her husband, Thomas Harmon (Tommy) Parker.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 18, at McKibben & Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19 at First Baptist Church, Grenada, MS at 11:00 am. Diann will be laid to rest in Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Eupora, MS with her husband, parents, and grandparents.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, MS (662-307-2694).