Dylan Parker Obituary

Dylan McKenna Parker

Dylan McKenna Parker, age 13, lived a life filled with love, adventure, and joy. From an early age, she embraced the world around her with wonder and curiosity. She was an "old soul" and was an avid reader. She cherished traveling with her family to Destin, FL, Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC, New York City, and to the magic of Universal Studios, FL and Disneyland, CA.

As a young child, Dylan found expression through dance at Studio Dance in Johnson City, TN, where she began to shine creatively. But it was at just three years old that Dylan discovered her greatest passion-horses. What began as a childhood love grew into a lifelong devotion. Her riding journey began at Miller Crest Stables in Jonesborough, continued at Anchor Way Stables in Blountville, and ultimately led her to her true home at Jonesborough Equestrian Center. Each barn held a special place in her heart, and each step brought her closer to her beloved horse, Lazy Sunday Morning.

Together, Dylan and Sunday built a remarkable partnership. They successfully competed in Hunter shows throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with her barn family by her side. Dylan especially loved showing at River Glen Equestrian Park in TN, Clemson University in SC, and both FENCE and Tryon International Equestrian Center in NC. She was never afraid of a challenge and delighted in competing in Hunter Derbies, proudly winning one of her last with top scores by a wide margin. With her sights set on the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL, Dylan dreamed big and worked hard. Yet just as much as she loved competition, she treasured quiet trail rides and peaceful moments with Sunday-sharing a bond many horse lovers spend a lifetime striving to find.

Her barn family at JEC, especially her beloved trainer, Lori Fisher, became like family to Dylan.

In tribute to her legacy, both River Glen Equestrian Park and Tryon International Equestrian Center have established perpetual memorial events in Dylan's honor, ensuring that her love of horses and the equestrian community will continue to inspire others.

Beyond the stables, Dylan's adventurous spirit thrived on the water. She was a confident and fearless boat captain and a skilled jet ski rider, happiest when spending time on Boone Lake with her dad and brother. She loved visiting the local marinas-Lakeview and Sonny's-making memories that will be cherished forever.

Dylan was a recent new student at Kingsport Christian Academy (KCA), but spent her entire education prior at Boones Creek Elementary and Middle School. She was also a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City.

Dylan was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James L. Powers III and Mary Vest Powers, and paternal grandparents, Alvin Dexter Parker Jr. and Hope Stone Parker.

Survivors include her loving parents, Sarah Powers Parker and Kenton Stone Parker; brother, Rowan Jackson Parker; uncle, James L. Powers IV; aunt, Lynn L. Parker; cousins, Ben, Jake, and Anna Kasper; great aunt and uncle, Debra and Russell Brown, cousins, Reed Brown and Tristen Billups; great aunt and uncle, Carla and Joseph Boyd, cousins, Caroline Boyd, Courtney and Nathaniel Smith, Boyd and Stella Smith; great uncle and aunt, Mark and Christiane Powers; great aunt, Kristyn Powers; great uncle and aunt, Scott and Melissa Powers, cousins, Nicholas and Christopher Powers; along with many other dear relatives and friends who will forever hold her memory close.

Dylan's last gift to the world was the gift of life through organ donation. She gifted her organs to 4 people around the world.

The family would like to thank the Vanderbilt Life Flight Crew and the staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt for doing everything they could for Dylan and for the compassion they showed our family during this time.

The celebration of life service for Dylan will be conducted, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City with Rev. Chris Brown, officiating.

Following the service there will be a visitation with refreshments from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the reception hall at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a 529 college fund is being set up for her brother, Rowan Parker. Any donations may be sent to Venmo @Sarah-Parker-320.

Memories, condolences, and a livestream of the service may be shared and viewed at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Parker family (423-610-7171).