The Queen of Fashion, Sarah Joan Parker was born on January 1, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa. Sarah’s flamboyant light went out on October 21, 2025, at her home in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the young age of 63 years old.
Sarah blessed Gage and Rita Parker through the help of adoption. Just two short years later the Parker’s were blessed again through adoption and along came Natalie Jean in April of 1964. They were now a complete family of four. Both Sarah and Natalie grew up in Shenandoah, Iowa. Gage and Rita showed both girls the finer things in life. Going on trips all over the world and even getting the chance to host foreign exchange students.
Sarah attended and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1980. In the fall of that same year, Sarah attended Wesleyan College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She made countless friends over the years including many from her sorority. Sarah often joked about how she dropped out for a few semesters in college, and how Gage and Rita were to NEVER know it. Sarah, though, did in fact graduate from Wesleyan in the Spring of 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in History. In May of 1987, Sarah gained a new title- “Aunt Sarah.” Natalie gave birth to Alisha Marie, and Sarah was completely over the moon. On December 7, 1987, family and friends received the most heart-breaking news that Natalie had passed. Sarah never let Alisha forget who her mother was and always tried her best to be there for Alisha. Her heart was never the same again.
In 1994, Sarah packed up and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she remained until her death. Sarah often visited Shenandoah, visiting friends and family for Shen Fest and drinks at The Depot Deli. Over the years, living in Lincoln, Sarah held many jobs. Her biggest and most enjoyable job was The Red Cross. She planned events, including “Pass the Bucket” at Husker Football games. We all know that planning events of any kind were Sarah’s sweet spot. She was a professional! Next to The Red Cross, Sarah LOVED planning for The Tannenbaum Tea. The Tea was her most precious baby. She and others started The Tea in 1989. Sarah was the greeter each and every year. She knew everyone that came through the doors. She would always make sure that you had a fantastic time. Year after year it was better than the last. In the months before her death, Sarah worked at Hy-Vee in Lincoln. People would go to Sarah’s line, not because she was a fast checker, but because she took the time to get to know her customers that came through. Sarah also volunteered at The Cat House for many years, taking care of outside cats as well. Her love for cats was undeniable. She also started going to the dog park in Lincoln and making many friends there as well.
Sarah was genuinely interested in people. She stood up for the under-served and she had an extremely strong personality that challenged the status quo. She was a true conversationalist and truly well read. Her humor was also one of a kind. Sarah also loved trivia; she could quite literally run you under the table. Her love for cats was something for the books, always doing her
best to care for the neighborhood cats all year long. Sarah was a fashionista; she had the best collection of purses and shoes for any occasion. She also had a love for clothes, fur coats, make-up and antiques.
Proceeding Sarah in death were her beloved sister, Natalie Jean in December 1987; mother, Rita Joan (Zimmerman) Parker in November 2000; father, Gage Edward Parker in April 2018; maternal grandparents, Florence E. and Christian J. Zimmerman; paternal grandparents, Gladys and Charles “Charlie” Parker; Sarah’s most loved fur babies, Bing Clawsby and Sirus Black.
Sarah is survived by her niece, Alisha Rojas and husband Ivan from Augusta, Georgia; great nieces, Elena, Everly, and Aletti; great nephew, Emilio all from Augusta, Georgia; lifelong family friends, the Faulk Family; many Zimmerman cousins; friends from the dog park and many friends from near and far; and of course, her fur babies.
Memorial services will be held at the Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Iowa, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jay Cline officiating. Private family burial will take place following the services. Everyone is invited to the Delmonico Room following the service for a time of fellowship and lunch. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated.
