Anneke Vanderhoeven Parker

Anneke Vanderhoeven Parker, 71, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home after a long-fought battle with cancer on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, while surrounded by her family. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time.

Anneke was born in the Belgian Congo in Africa to Belgian parents before immigrating to the United States at the age of 12. Despite speaking no English when she arrived, it wasn't long before Anneke was excelling at whatever she set her mind to doing...as proven by teaching herself English using the television! She earned her degree in nursing to become a registered nurse and, once again her work ethic shined brightly, as it wasn't very long before she became the director of nursing. Eventually, she worked her way up to administrator for a nursing home, a position she held until her retirement. Along the way, Anneke never fell away from the Roman Catholic faith she was raised in and she never failed to find her comfort in God no matter what trials and tribulations she endured. She always knew God had her.

Anneke was the kind of woman you were always happy to have by your side, whether it was as a family member, friend, or co-worker. She had a wonderfully calm demeanor with the ability to stay cool in stressful situations. However, don't let that fool you into thinking she couldn't take you to task anytime she felt the need. After all, her co-workers didn't call her "firecracker," for nothing! Anneke was the epitome of the old phrase about a steel hand wrapped in a velvet glove because she had a spine and will of forged iron nestled within her kind and loving heart. She truly had an open heart full of generosity and love. I don't think we could find someone who ever saw her without a smile on her face and kind word on her lips. Certainly, every neighbor's dog was always happy to see her and she never failed to have treats ready to share. Anneke most definitely made the world a far better place during her lifetime, which is the kind of legacy we should all aspire to have. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and "Nana" to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the rock her cherished family was built upon over all these years and they will keep her memory & love alive in their hearts for many more years to come.

Anneke was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Desire & Maria Weytjens Vanderhoeven. She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Randall Norman Parker; their children, Mieke (Steven) Sipper, Monica (Tom) Compton, Matthew (Ashley) Shirley, and Bryan (Katy) Parker; grandchildren, Nikki Sipper, Kenny Shirley, Allison Shirley, Brian Compton, Tristan Jordan, Reid Compton, Kinley Compton, Madaline Sims, Cole Compton, John Parker, Jeb Parker, and Sybil Parker; great-granddaughters, Ainsley Sipper, Preslee Compton, and Ellie Grace Smith; siblings, Myriam (Alvin) Farrar, Lisy (Terry) Moore, Jan (Eleni) Vanderhoeven, and Piet (Sheryl) Vanderhoeven; treasured canine companion, Bobbie; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family would like to express their most heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Charles Tompkins, Holland Pouncey, & their caring staff, as well as the dedicated nurses from Aveanna Hospice, for their tender, loving care of Anneke during this time.

They request any memorial donations be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at https://gifts.mdanderson.org.

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