Mary Lou Parker

Mary Lou Parker, 91, of Dyersburg, died Monday, September 27, 2021 at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.  Mary Lou was born May 1, 1930 in Illinois.   There are not enough words to completely describe Mary Lou. She was an amazing women, wife, mother, grandmother and business owner.  She and her husband, J.B. Parker, owned and operated many restaurants that were Dyer County favorites.  She began her “cooking” career at Rogers Restaurant in Newbern many years ago.  Later, she and J.B. owned and operated the Coffee Cup and the famous “Parker Burger” was born.  Later, they bought The Hut from Jimmy Noonan and owned and operated until it closed.  She ran the Airport Restaurant for many years.  Her next venture was at Dyersburg State Community College where she had a small café attached to the student center called Mary Lou’s Bits and Bytes. She eventually opened Mary Lou’s Café and loved her life until her very last day.  She’s fed a multitude of folks in her lifetime. Mary Lou was loved by all and considered a true legend and the best cook in Dyer County. She will be dearly missed by her family and the entire Dyer County community.

A Celebration of Life Memorial visitation will be Wednesday, October 6, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Curry Funeral Home.

She is survived by her two sons, Jack Parker and Ronnie Parker, both of Dyersburg; two grandchildren, Steven Parker and Jason Parker; and her longtime companion, Neil Doolin.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Parker, two sisters and two brothers.

Cremation services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home. We are privileged and honored to serve the Parker family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.