Obituaries

Verna L. Parker

July 4, 1939 - September 27, 2026

Private funeral service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 10:30 AM, Laughrey Funeral Home, One North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070. Burial: Friday, October 2, 2026, 11:00 AM, Lawnside Cemetery, 1017 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098.

Verna Louise Parker, age 87, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Born in Salem, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ralph Sr. and Lillian Magill. Verna was predeceased by her devoted husband, Erv Parker Sr., with whom she shared over 50 beautiful years of marriage, and brother Ralph (Bud) Magill Jr.

A graduate of the Salem High School Class of 1957, Verna began her working career at the local J.C. Penney in Salem. She later dedicated many years of hard work to the State of New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, where she ultimately retired after a long and dedicated career.

Verna was a cornerstone of her community and a deeply committed, lifelong member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she proudly held numerous executive leadership positions over the decades.

A talented artist, Verna filled her life and home with creativity. She loved creating works of art, practicing intricate needlework, and home decorating. As a gifted seamstress, she poured her heart into creating beautifully detailed, memorable costumes and clothing that her children and grandchildren will cherish forever. Verna loved to travel. She cherished trips alongside her husband, family, and close friends, especially during yearly vacations in Ocean City with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving children: her daughter, Susan and wife Jen of Salem; her sons, Erv Jr. and wife Dawn of Woodstown, and Jason and wife Suzanne of Monroeville. She was the incredibly proud grandmother of Sara, Nathan, Mackenzie, and Olivia, and is also survived by her dear brother, Ronald Magill of Elsinboro.

Funeral services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Verna’s name to Meals on Wheels of Salem County, P.O. Box 888, Elmer, NJ 08318.