Lois Parker Vrhel

Mrs. Lois Parker Vrhel, 91, of Calhoun, passed away Friday, June 6, 2014 at a local health care facility.

Mrs. Vrhel was born in Gordon County on April 16, 1923; she was the fifth child of the late Taylor "T.P." and Dovie Dover Parker. She attended school at Antioch, Belwood, Sonoraville, and was a member of the second graduating class of Red Bud High School in 1941. During WWII, she joined the Cadet Nurse Corp, receiving her training at The Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. She became a Registered Nurse in 1947. At Erlanger, she worked in Labor and Delivery, several doctors offices, and at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. Relocating to the Chicago area, she met her future husband, James J. Vrhel who was the principal double bass player for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. They married in 1962. Because of his tours with the symphony, she and James traveled extensively throughout the United States and to foreign countries. After their retirement, they continued to travel and enjoyed photography, and writing about their travels. James preceded her in death in 1987. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Howard, Emory, Charles, and Gene Parker; her sisters, Ruby Davis, Edna Gravitt, and Willie Mae Hyde. In 1993, Lois moved back to Calhoun, where she remained active in several organizations: A volunteer at Gordon Hospital, The Harris Arts Center, Friends of The Library, and the Gordon County Historical Society. She was a member of P.E.O. International (Rome chapter).

Survivors include her sister, Doris Duncan, of Calhoun; several nieces and nephews including, Debbie and Randy Seabolt, who were her caregivers; a special caregiver, Linda Curtis; cousins, and other relatives.

To honor her wishes, Lois was cremated and interment was at Blackwood Springs Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Services for Lois Parker Vrhel are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.