Maurice Elizabeth Dunaway

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Maurice Lanier Parker Dunaway.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born into humble beginnings on February 3, 1936, to parents, Roger and Penny Lanier. Maurice was orphaned at the age of three and raised by her depression era grandparents.  Her mother's untimely death at the tender of 23 thrust young Maurice into unfamiliar circumstances.  It was there her "can do, make do, will do" spirit that would define her entire life was forged.  She grew up quickly, learning to pick cotton, drive a mule, gather tobacco and raise livestock.  Hard work was never a choice - it was simply a way of life!  Yet, Maurice was equally known for her mischievous spirit, delighting in rock throwing, snake keeping, and sneaking away for a dip in the pond in her very few leisure hours.

Maurice found her greatest joy in raising her children.  She and Albert created a farm of their own to teach their children how to grow food, raise and love animals and steward the land.  It was there she was happiest and her dreams were realized.

As if raising seven children and working at Union Camp in Savannah for 36 years was not enough, tenacious, resourceful, and fiercely hardworking Maurice pioneered her own "side hustle" long before the term existed, mending and sewing clothes and later repairing washing machines and dryer for her friends and neighbors, often at little to no cost.

She never met a stranger.  Kind, warm and generous; people were drawn to her, knowing she was someone who didn't just offer help - she showed up and met the need.  She had an open - door open - heart policy, and anyone had a seat at the table. Her farm to table meals were often enjoyed by many of her children's friends, relatives and wayward souls.

Maurice was an active member of Powers Baptist Church and enjoyed the shared love of Jesus Christ, fellowship, love and support of the church family.

The legacy of love, unending generosity, and strong work ethic will live on in her beloved children, grandchildren, great grands and her loving, supportive daughter-in-law's and son-in-law.

Maurice is survived by her four children, Gary Parker (Julie), Constance Klein Ball (Danny), Donna Parker Haupt (Gary) and Sandy Parker Smith (Frankie); daughter-in-law's, Terry Layel Parker and Angie Redding Parker; and son-in-law, Rommell Beck; 18 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and siblings, Doyle Lanier and Nancy Lanier Hammond; first husband, Albert T. Parker and second husband, Eddie Dunaway and beloved children, Wayne Parker, Linda Parker Fennell Beck, Bruce Parker and grandchildren, Angelina Ball, Jennifer Klein Little and Nicki Parker Sullivan.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for their diligent care and support throughout.

The visitation will be on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  The funeral to honor Maurice's life will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Powers Baptist Church located at 1104 Highway 80 in Eden.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 West Highway 80 - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444