Patricia Odessa Parker

Patricia Odessa Parker was born on February 14, 1933 to Shaprow Brantley and Elnora Hall in Graham, Ga. She was the oldest of the union, and welcomed her siblings, two brothers, James and Matthew, and one sister, Roxie.

Patricia O. Parker attended high school and furthered her education by attending Cosmetology School located in Brunswick, GA. Upon graduation, Patricia was employed as a cosmetologist and hair stylist trainer.

She met and married her husband for life Jeff Parker, on December 16, 1952 in Brunswick, Ga. They relocated to California, Colorado, Washington, DC, and finally made Baltimore, Md their family home. To their union were born, Jeff Jr., Jacqueline, Janice, and James. Patricia was a homemaker and cared for the children during their formative years. Sister Parker was active at Temple COGIC, Washington, DC and Maryland COGIC, before her spouse, the late Reverend Doctor Jeff Parker, opened Prayer Tower COGIC, and she became the First Lady. Mother Parker was a lifelong COGIC member and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, YPWW facilitator, VBS Coordinator, and countless other titles and positions lead by the Lord’s anointing and direction.

Lady Parker also worked as an administrative assistant to Doctor Parker’s Medical Practice.

Additionally she served as a volunteer for Meals On Wheels, and gave tirelessly of herself to those less fortunate, and in need. Mother enjoyed singing gospel songs and playing the piano. She also had a passion for traveling, playing tennis with her family, and the thrill of the hunt for a fabulous dress, shoes or gorgeous hat.

In October 2010, after the passing of her beloved husband, Rev. Jeff Parker, Sr., Lady Parker remained in the Baltimore, Md area and joined Carter Memorial COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Carl A. Pierce, Sr. She attended church services and weekly prayer meetings, and supported the church through tithes and offerings.

In January 2017, Lady Parker relocated to Wilmington, NC to reside with her daughter and son-in-law. While in NC, she was under the watch care of Superintendent Lorenzo Edge, Pastor of Faith Temple COGIC, Wilmington, NC. She attended regular church services and Tuesday noon day services. Patricia attended the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center and participated in activities to keep her mind, body, and soul strong.

In July 2020, Mother Parker relocated to Williamsburg, VA with her daughter and son-in-law.

During the pandemic, she faithfully watched Carter Memorial COGIC church services and Wednesday night Bible Study via YouTube. Mother Parker attended senior activities on a weekly basis at The Williamsburg Landing and Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Patricia was affectionately called Mommy, Grandma, LadyBug, Momma Bear, and Pat Parker. She lived an amazing life full of wonderful and meaningful experiences she could only of imagined as a child. Patricia turned 90 years of age on Valentine’s Day 2023, and celebrated in style dressed in red from head to toe, smiling that gorgeous smile from ear to ear.

Mother Patricia is greatly missed by her family, friends and church family. She will be remembered for her beautiful and warm smile, soft touch, melodious voice and can-do attitude.

Lady Parker was predeceased in death by her spouse, Reverend Jeff Parker, MD, parents, and siblings, Matthew Brantley and Roxie Fussell, son, Jeff Parker, Jr., son-in-law Karl L. Farrar, and grandson, Karl Justin Farrar. She is survived by her children, Patricia Byron, Jacqueline Parker Farrar, Janice Parker Chisholm, James Parker; grandchildren, Brian Farrar, Christopher Farrar, Terry Byron, Shatara Byron; and great-grandchildren, Zaniah Byron, Kannija Byron, Maya Bryon and Enzo Farrar, and son-in-law, Steven P. Chisholm.

The Parker Family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your love, support, kindness and prayers during this difficult time. We appreciate your continued prayers and support as we move forward in the coming days. Bind us Together! 🙏🏾

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Carter Memorial Church, 13 South Poppleton Street, Baltimore, Md 21201.