Irene Parker

Irene Lorenz Parker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (Mamo), and friend was peacefully called home on April 17, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer's at the age of 92. Irene was born on February 25, 1930, to Adolph and Emma Lorenz in Greens Creek, TX. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith on March 9, 1930, by Pastor O.W. Lugeneheim at Bethany Lutheran Church. She was confirmed on April 26, 1942, by Pastor Paul C Eifert.

Her confirmation verse was Psalm 26:6-8

“I will wash my hands in innocence and go about your altar, Lord. Proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. Lord, I love the house where you live and the place where your glory dwells."

She attended Carmine High School and went on to Business School that brought her to reside in Houston, TX. Irene was married to Charles Alston Parker on November 26, 1953, in LaGrange, TX by Pastor Henry Trougott at Zion Lutheran Church. They were married 62 years before his passing in 2016.

This unison was blessed with two daughters, Marlinda Merryman and Darlene Bowlin.

Irene loved spending time in the kitchen, baking for her family and for local events such as family reunions, birthday parties and church events. Her pecan pie was a family favorite and requested by many family members at holidays. She taught her granddaughters how to cook and bake during many special times together.

Irene was a seamstress for the early years of her life. She had a talent for being able to look at anything and make it. She was known to sew wedding dresses to baby clothes and was often found searching thru patterns for her next project. She came to love art and took lessons to paint from numerous renowned teachers. She was a long-time member of the Deer Park and Pasadena Art Leagues. She won numerous awards for her paintings and was often seen hanging her pictures in the local banks and libraries.

She had a keen sense of family and a love for the Lord, that was obvious to everyone who met her. Their family home in South Houston was always the hub for family get together and celebrations. She was proud of her family together with her in church and was a stickler for everyone being on time. She loved serving at church with the Ladies group in quilting and different charity projects and bazaars. She especially loved her Good Timers Club and playing dominoes with her friends.

She was definitely the green thumb of the family and could grow anything! Her garden was always one to be admired. Anything she touched, thrived under her care. Her back porch and patio were always a picture in bloom of numerous plants and flowers. Irene was proud of her German heritage and loved sharing it with others. She often talked in German with her relatives who still reside there and traveled there with her sister once to visit her heritage. She attended German clubs and services when they were offered. She prayed in German many times even through her final days.

She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Parker; parents Adolph and Emma Lorenz; sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Henry Galipp; brother Alfred Lorenz; brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Mamie Lorenz, and nephew Victor Lorenz.

Irene is survived by daughters Marlinda Merryman and husband Robert and Darlene Bowlin and husband Jim; granddaughters Ashley Shaw and husband Rob, Brittany Matlock, and Jamie Bowlin; son-in-law Jared Matlock; great-grandchildren Devon Matlock, Lilly Shaw, Jaxon Matlock, Kylie Shaw, Wyatt Matlock, John Shaw, and Rhett Matlock; sister-in-law Gertrude Lorenz along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members that loved her.

The family will receive visitation on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Irene’s Celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 10:00 am. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, TX. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Parker family.