Gwendolyn Parker

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE

In Brazil, Mississippi, Christmas celebration began very early in the household of the McShan family. On December 17, 1937, a very precious and special gift was delivered to Mr. Arder and Mrs. Florence McShan. The birth of a baby girl named Gwendolyn created much excitement and joy among the other seven siblings. Her sisters, Yvonne, Alfreda, Audoree, Delores; brothers: Louico (“Louis”), Dupew ("Eddie"), and Bennon ("Bennie") extended a hearty welcome to their youngest sibling. However, the excitement was short-lived. When Gwen, as she was fondly called, was only six months old, Mr. Cornelius and Mrs. Ruby Madison, the aunt and uncle, became the parents of this family due to an extended illness of their mother. It was then that she was migrated to Chicago, Illinois, where her blessings continued to blossom. Her new parents instilled pertinent morals and spiritual values, life lessons, and love of God in the children, laying a lifetime foundation.

BLESSINGS OF CHRIST

Gwen experienced the blessings of Christ when she was baptized at an early age and confessed Christ as her Savior. Consequently, she loved the Lord and endeavored to keep Him in the center of her life through worship and praise, practicing the Golden Rule and obeying His Commandments. Her enduring faith, love and trust in God were further strengthened through her membership at Trinity United Methodist Church.

BLESSINGS OF GUIDANCE AND TEACHINGS

Gwen's blessings of guidance and teachings originated in her home with her devoted parents, at church and were enhanced further by the Chicago Public School System where her teachers and counselors made a positive impact in motivating her learning. Consequently, her elementary training was pursued at Brown Elementary School and at Lucy Flowers High School.

Gwen utilized her blessings of guidance and teachings and knowledge to develop her skills and talents. Gwen had a knack for the creative arts, especially for foods and the culinary skills. Therefore, she sought occupations in these areas, receiving fulfillment and gratification. Subsequently, she possessed a work history to include the following: the American Medical Association, Administrative work at Northeastern Illinois University, Woodlawn Hospital and as Food Service Manager in various Chicago Public Schools McCosh, BrynMawr, and at Gage Park, until her retirement after twenty-five years of service in 2004.

BLESSINGS OF LOVE

Gwen's blessings of love were also demonstrated upon her marriage on February 26, 1955 in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Parker Jr. To this union, two children were born, Thomas Parker III and Brenda Parker, the pride and joy of her life. She also valued her grandchildren and great grandchildren and demonstrated unusual encouragement and affection. She relished her other family members and played a vital role in their lives. This love was demonstrated recently when she and family members paid a visit to New Jersey to share Thanksgiving with one of her nieces. It was in this scenario that she performed her last gesture of unconditional love.

BLESSINGS OF FAMILY

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, biological parents, surrogate parents (aunt and uncle), sisters: Alfreda, and Yvonne; and brothers: Louico, Dupew and Bennon.

Her peaceful transition occurred on January 21, 2015 at the Advocate Christ Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.

Gwen will be cherished and fondly remembered by her caring, devoted, loving and supportive children: Brenda Parker (Charles), and Thomas Parker, III (Ann), Chicago, Illinois; her grandchildren: grandson: Charles Jr. (Chuck), two granddaughters: Mia and Cicely, and four great-granddaughters: DeMia, Trinity, Denim and Tressa Gwen born ( 1/20/2015), and a great grandson Tristin Chicago, Illinois; two sisters: Mrs. Audoree Avant, Alsip, Illinois and Mrs. Delores Merrida (Clarence), Richmond, California; three sisters-in-law: Mrs. Rosa Parker Hanks and Mrs. Julia Parker Henderson, Birmingham, Alabama; Mrs. Rosemary McShan –Keppard, Sacramento, California; a brother-in-law: Mr. James Parker, Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

'TIS GRACE HATH BROUGHT ME SAFE THUS FAR

AND GRACE WILL LEAD ME HOME:

Wherever He may guide me,

No want shall turn me back;

My Shepherd is beside me,

And nothing can I lack.

His sight is never dim -

He knows the way He taketh,

And I will walk with Him.

Anna L. Waring

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 41:13

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord thy god, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6