Stanley honors showroom &...;mother&...; with A&...und
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 15, 2001
STANLEYTOWN, Va. — STANLEYTOWN, Va. — Case goods major Stanley Furniture has established an endowment fund in honor of Fannie Mae Thomas Parker, a longtime associate in the company's High Point showroom, who died earlier this year.
The fund will assist students in the arts at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.
Parker worked for 38 years in the Stanley showroom, where she managed food and beverage services, took charge of first aid and performed a myriad of other duties.
Part of the Stanley family, she was known for taking care of dealers, sales representatives and staff in the showroom during markets. She became such an institution that Stanley proclaimed its dining room "Fannie's Kitchen" in neon lights.
At the April market, the 87-year-old Parker worked a full schedule.
"She was an inspiration to all of us," said Bill Cubberley, a senior sales representative in Florida, who spoke at her memorial service. "Fannie kept a close eye on the showroom as if she owned the company and did whatever was needed to keep the showroom running smoothly. She brought light-heartedness, love and warmth in her self-proclaimed role as mother, counselor, product manager, sales manager and 'boss.' We will greatly miss her."
Parker's survivors include seven children, 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a brother.
Contributions may be sent to The Fannie Mae Thomas Parker Endowed Scholarship Fund, N.C. A&T State University Foundation Inc., 1601 E. Market St., Dowdy Building, Suite 400, Greensboro, N.C. 27411.
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