Carolyn Faye Ladner

On a very cold winter day in McHenry, MS, February 28, 1941, Brisco and Betty Parker welcomed their youngest child, Carolyn Faye Parker Ladner. She was a premature baby, only weighing around 1 pound at birth. Family lore says she wasn’t expected to live, but her daddy put her in a shoe box and kept her warm before the fireplace, syringe feeding her mom’s milk.

Carolyn Parker Ladner lived for 84 years and the center of her life was God, her husband, her children, and then later, grandchildren and a great grandchild. She loved quilting, sewing, reading, gardening, crocheting, and participating in St. Thomas prayer group many years ago. A resident of Long Beach, MS, for 60 years, she deeply cared about the community. She was a very active member of St. Thomas before having to take care of her husband after heart and colon surgery and the decline of her own health. She served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and was a very dedicated CCD teacher for many years. She prepared many children for First Holy Communion over a 30-year time span.

Carolyn was the mom who was always involved and hands-on in her children’s school experiences. She was the one turning the jump rope, being the room mother, and helping clean St. Thomas school after Hurricane Camille. She not only served her own children, but many other children as well. She would do so many simple, yet meaningful activities with her children: go on bike rides, play baseball and other games, pick blackberries, and sit around the dinner table at night and talk. As her children grew older, she and her husband would welcome them over to drink coffee and talk. It was the highlight of their lives.

Carolyn had a very special relationship with her grandchildren. They each have special memories that they can tuck away in their hearts. If anyone doubts the impact a grandmother can have, you can ask any of her grandchildren what she did with them and for them. Whether it was taking a walk through USM Gulf Park, painting fingernails, sleepovers, or a multitude of very special memories, they had the best Maw Maw.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Brisco Parker and Edna Elizabeth Bond Parker, mother-in-law, Irma Weiss Ladner, father-in-law, Victor Ladner, sisters Alma Brook, Reva Gay Saucier, Amanda Tanner Walters, Claudia Brooks, Bernice Parker, Virginia Saucier, and Barbara Sumrall, and brothers, Harmon Christopher Parker and Brisco Parker, as well as 2 special sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Parker and Janice Ladner. She is survived by the love of her life, Roger Ladner, and children Deborah (Jim), Vic (Jennifer), and Cherie (Larry), as well as her grandchildren Christopher Hare, Elizabeth Hare Saucier, Carolyn Ramsey, Carl Ramsey, Aura Ladner, Maria Ladner, and step grandchild, Trevor Holt. She also leaves behind a great grandchild who she was known as Gran Gran, Nolan Saucier, and 2 step great grandchildren, David and James Holt. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Gaynelle Ladner Saucier and brother-in-law, Kenneth Ladner. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews who she also loved and cherished.

Carolyn Parker led a great life for someone who started out with so many odds against her. She did have many health issues and required great care for the last few years of her life. Her husband, Roger Ladner, and daughter, Cherie Ramsey, did a selfless and amazing job of keeping our mother comfortable and did their best to meet all her needs. ~Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Much appreciation to Carolyn’s doctor for many years, Dr. David LaRosa, and for ICU and PCU doctors and nurses, especially Justin, Shay, Kim, Blake, Randy, and Amber, as well as Dr. Boles. Your tender love and care for our mother at the end of her life was noticed and greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10 - 11 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church. Interment will be in Long Beach City Cemetery.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.