Thelma Louise Parker Leist

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —Thelma Louise Parker Leist died Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Jones County Rest Home in Ellisville, MS. Born September 4, 1925, in Vicksburg, MS, she recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family. 

Thelma dedicated her life to raising a family and serving her hometown of Vicksburg. She was a lifelong member of the Vicksburg Church of Christ, where for many years she taught the 4 and 5-year-old class. Known throughout the community for her love of cooking and the comfort it provided, she always had meals ready for family, friends, and others in their time of need. She worked most of her life in downtown Vicksburg, beginning at S.H. Kress as a teenager. She loved her many years working at Koury’s Children’s Shop and later at the Corner Drug Store.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Edward Parker and Beulah Paschal Parker; her husband of 47 years, Willie R. (Bill) Leist, Jr.; granddaughter, Olivia Christine (Christi) Denton Dobson; two brothers, James E. Parker, Jr. and William B. Parker; and four sisters, Patsy Russell, Frances Sibley, Mary Lee Cook, and Dorothy Childers.

Thelma is survived by her daughter, Linda Leist Denton (Bill); son, Dean Leist (Kiely); granddaughters, Melody Speak (Jeremy), Lauren Leist, and Erin Leist; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the compassionate team at Jones County Rest Home for providing Thelma with exceptional care as well as comfort and support to her family.

Visitation will be Friday, October 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home. A family graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations to your local food mission or favorite charity.