Sydne DAllas Lemon Parker

Our beloved Sydne passed away from a heart condition on October 29, 2021, the day following her 66th wedding anniversary with her husband, Scott.
Sydne was born in Ogden, Utah on August 28, 1934, to Joseph Lemon and Dallas Child. As a result of her parents’ divorce when she was a young child, Sydne was raised by her paternal grandparents. As she began her high school years, she moved to Salt Lake City to live with her father and his family. After graduating from East High School as one of the top ten students of her graduating class, she went on to study at the University of Utah. While there, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and led the Kappa choir to first place in the annual university songfest. She was also chosen to be a member of the annual Snow Queen Royalty of the University of Utah. Sydne was always modest and self-effacing regarding her natural beauty. She graduated with high honors while earning a degree in Elementary Education.
On the first day of their junior year in high school, Sydne and Scott met when he asked his friend to introduce them. They dated regularly and carried that loving friendship into their college years. Scott wanted to serve a church mission; however, because of the Korean War, the government allowed only one missionary per year per ward to serve. Since the one position was already filled, Scott and Sydne became engaged at the end of their sophomore year and set a fall marriage date. The war came to a close later that summer and the rules changed regarding missionary service. The couple then faced a difficult decision: Mission or Marriage? They felt a strong desire to do both. They received permission from Harold B. Lee, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to do so. President Lee married them in the Salt Lake Temple on October 28, 1955. The following January Scott left to serve in the Southern States Mission. Sydne continued her education and lived with Scott’s parents, Bert and Emily Parker.
The couple reunited at the beginning of 1958 and their daughter, Jennifer, was born the following November. Upon Scott completing his Bachelor’s degree the family moved to Minneapolis, MN. During this time Sydne played an integral role in assisting Scott with obtaining his Master’s degree in hospital administration. This included being his loving cheerleader, typist, and editor of all of his papers. While in Minnesota, both sons, Tom and Mike, were born. Later the family moved to Mesa, AZ where their daughter, Sara, joined the family. Sydne also took great pleasure in teaching Kindergarten during this time. After a short period in California the family moved to Bountiful, Utah in 1975 where they have made their home for the last 46 years.
Sydne had many musical talents, including piano, voice, and choral directing. There was a natural flow of creativity in all of her endeavors, and she was a gifted artist with watercolors. She was also a skilled baker and cook whose homemade ice cream, rolls, caramel popcorn, and raspberry jam are legendary. She used all of these gifts to bless the lives of others and make family gatherings and holidays a time of cheerfulness, warmth, and magic.
Her unassuming and compassionate nature was known by all. She had a love of God’s creations particularly her sweet dogs. There was large space in her heart for children. For years Sydne volunteered as a reading specialist at Washington Elementary where the students loved her so much that they called her “Nanny.” Kids from the neighborhood would often stop by her home on their way from school to feel of her love. Sydne’s faith, support, encouragement, and endurance were continuous throughout Scott’s career.

Sydne loved her Savior Jesus Christ and in every way emulated His teachings and example. She treasured her many church assignments as she served throughout her life. As she and Scott presided over the New York, New York North Mission, the missionaries loved and admired Sydne for her genuine concern and warm heart. Her loving family members praise her name and cherish tender memories of their dear Mother and Nanny.
Sydne is survived by Scott S. Parker, her partner of 70 years; children, Jennifer (Craig) Whiting, Tom (Kristen) Parker, Mike (Lynda) Parker, and Sara Parker; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and her sisters, Julie Versaw and Lori Woods. She was preceded in death by her brother Kenneth Shurtliff.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Debra Peterson for her long-time kindness, care and assistance. We couldn’t have done it without her. Also, the family thanks Meggan Newbold, Chelise Pykles, and Megan Davie for their aid and compassion at the end.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center, 640 South 750 East, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and Thursday morning 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Graveside services will be held at Lakeview Memorial Estates, 1640 Lakeview Drive, Bountiful. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn. Services will be streamed live at bountifulhillsward.org.