Obituary of Parker Cartwright

Kill Devil Hills Self described optimistic realist, Parker Sherlock Cartwright, 14, died on Monday, January 19, 2004, from the effects of West Nile Encephalitis. He was the son and youngest child of Landra S. and Randy M. Cartwright of Kill Devil Hills. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his 2 sisters, Lindy and Stacey of the home. Also surviving are his ‘Grammy’ and ‘Granddaddy’, Lina and Linwood Sherlock, and his ‘Grandma’, Josephine Cartwright, of Elizabeth City. Parker was born February 23, 1989 and lived in Kill Devil Hills all his life. He had attended Manteo High School for two days. In May, 2002, he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He pursued a winning struggle against the disease based on his newly found motto, ‘You don’t get to choose your fate, you only get to choose how you respond to it.’ In August, 2003, he was stricken with West Nile and never recovered. Funeral services will be held at St. Andrews By the Sea Episcopal Church in Nags Head, N.C., on Friday, January 23, 2004, at 11:00 AM. A reception will be provided for those who wish to share publicly their memories of Parker. Burial will follow in Elizabeth City and a visitation will be held afterwards at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Sherlock from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. For those who wish to contribute in lieu of flowers, the family would like for contributions to be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 404 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507 and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507. The family would especially like to thank the numerous doctors, nurses, and staff members of CHKD for their untiring efforts and loving care. Twiford’s Funeral Home in Manteo is in charge of arrangements.