Savannah Parker Obituary, Death – Fayetteville Family Mourns Beloved 12-Year-Old
Savannah Grace Parker, a beloved 12-year-old remembered for her joyful personality, strong faith and love of dance, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026.
Her obituary, published by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville on September 22, described Savannah as a bright and spirited young girl whose life was filled with love, laughter, faith and a passion for performance.
Born on November 14, 2013, Savannah was known for her ability to make people laugh and feel welcomed. Family and friends remembered her as confident, compassionate, determined and full of energy.
Remembering Savannah Parker
Savannah previously attended McNair Middle School, where she served as a Student Ambassador during fifth and sixth grades. She later attended Woodland Junior High School, where she was a seventh-grade dance team member and was looking forward to participating in track.
She was also enrolled in Honors courses and was remembered as an intelligent and motivated student.
Faith became an increasingly important part of Savannah’s life. She openly professed her Christian faith at Cross Church and also worshiped at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Dance, however, held a particularly special place in her life. Savannah performed extensively and earned awards and competition wins. Whether she was performing on stage, watching other dancers or creating videos of her own, she found tremendous happiness in music and movement.
Her family described her as a “spitfire” with a lively personality, contagious laughter and an unmistakable presence. She was fiercely loyal to the people she loved and brought energy and joy into the lives of those around her.
Family and Loved Ones
Savannah is survived by her parents, Erin Wheatley-Parker and Dr. Jonathan and Paula Parker, along with her siblings and brothers, including Wheatley Parker, Reynolds Parker, Sebastian Marzana and Diego Marzana.
She is also survived by her grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Her Legacy dance family was also remembered among those who held a special place in her life.
Travis Garton, Andy Hague, Tyler Rollins, Tony Terry, Chip Schuchardt and Tracy Stephens will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral Service and Memorial Fund
A funeral service for Savannah will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Cross Church Springdale Campus. Dr. Nick Floyd will officiate. The service will also be available for viewing online. Private burial will follow.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Savannah Grace Parker Endowment Fund. The fund will provide scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing dance in college and grants to support young dancers in Fayetteville Public Schools who face financial barriers.
Through the endowment, Savannah’s family hopes her love of dance and the happiness she brought to others will continue to benefit young dancers for years to come.
Savannah’s life lasted only 12 years, but her family remembers it as a life filled with remarkable joy, love and purpose. Her memory will continue through the people she loved, the dancers she inspired and the community that continues to mourn her loss.