Lettie Missouri Parker Gaither, (also known as "The Candy Lady"), 91 of Charlotte, departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Novant Presbyterian Health Main.  She was born December 9, 1930, to the late Richard and Elizabeth Sampson Parker in Irvin County, GA.  She was the sixth of eight children.

She received Christ at an early age while attending Popular Spring Freewill Baptist Church in Osierfield, GA.  She received her education at Ocilla High School in Ocilla, Ga.   Before settling down in Charlotte, NC, she left her beloved home in Georgia for a brief stay in Detroit, MI.  She has been a Clement Memorial AME Zion Church member for the last sixty-nine years.  She was an active member and served as President of the Senior Choir and the Stewardess Board, Treasurer of Class #2, and member of the Lay Council, Missionary Department, and Christian Education Department.

Lettie worked in various occupations throughout her lifetime in Charlotte.  She started as a domestic housekeeper for the Haywood's and later the Nevin's.  She worked at Radiator Specialty,  Ruth Salad, Pharr Yard, and a few other places before landing at Mercy Hospital, where she retired.

She had a love for cooking, gardening, and singing.  She also used her voice to cheer on the Panthers and would rarely miss an NBA game.  Her God-giving gift was nurturing and caring for others.  She was the matriarch of her family and her entire neighborhood.

Lettie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, James W. Gaither; one son, Shawkee (Charles Leon Parker) Azeez; one daughter-in-law, Heidi Gaither; two grandsons, Almerick Burton and Reggie Burton; one great-grandson, Reginald Leverett; one brother, Richard Parker; three sisters Estoria Frye, Bertha Everette, and Carolyn Cave.

She supported her family in all their endeavors.  She leaves to cherish her children, Carol (Billy) McLean and Sean Gaither; one daughter-in-law, Dorothy Parker; and a bonus daughter Verna Davis all of Charlotte, NC; four granddaughters, Rhonda Davis, Renee Burton, Seana Gaither, and Justus Gaither all of Charlotte, NC; and Terilyn Gaither of Raleigh, NC; six great-grandchildren, Tierah Coleman, Redarius Davis, Jumanah Smith, JaQuan Burton, Jekira Burton, Rakeem Leverett, all of Charlotte, NC; three sisters, Daisy Brown of Charlotte, NC; Macie Devin and Adel Porter of Ocilla, GA; and a host of beloved great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.