Patricia J. "Pat" Parker

October 7th, 1950 to October 12th, 2024

Patricia Jeanne Parker, 74, of Goldenrod, FL went home to the Lord on October 12, 2024 after several years with Vascular Dementia. Her life was filled with laughter, music, and fellowship with friends.

Pat was born on October 7th, 1950 to parents Bob & Jeanne Parker and raised on her parents citrus farm in Goldenrod, Seminole County, FL where she enjoyed helping her dad in the groves, attending a small local school in Oviedo, and family trips to the beach. Pat graduated from Oviedo High School in 1968. Her childhood home still stands on Tuskawilla Ave, currently serving as a daycare. She spent her entire life living in Florida and loved to say she was a native Floridian.

Pat graduated from Florida State University (Go Noles!) with a Physical Education degree in 1972. During her college years she traveled to Europe twice, including a study abroad trip for the 1972 Olympics. She later returned to school and earned a degree in Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. This led to a long career as a computer programmer at UCF, then later at Seminole State College. In her 50s, Pat went to school again for massage therapy. Pat retired from SSC in April 2016 and shared her personal statement at her retirement party: “My desire is to finish the race well by listening to God’s nudges. I want to serve him by letting His light shine in me to further the gospel of Jesus.”

She was very active in church throughout her lifetime. She served on the praise and worship team at Orlando Community Church as well as volunteering with the youth ministry and the prayer team. In her later years, she was a member of Aloma Baptist Church on Hwy 436. She loved to share clean and Christian jokes to lift others spirits.

Pat enjoyed being involved in the community and spent her post-retirement years volunteering at the Goldenrod Historical Society and Museum. She loved to give tours and share stories of her life growing up as well as family stories of the good old days in Goldenrod. During her walks around her neighborhood, she always made time to catch up with her neighbors and friends.

In 2022, Pat had a series of strokes and was no longer able to live alone. She lived for two years at Strive at Fern Park, with most of the time spent in their “Sanctuary” memory care wing. She was very happy there and especially enjoyed the Bible study classes and singing with the other residents. Pat continued to be a prayer warrior, made sure to invite all of the residents to Bible study, and was an encourager to other residents. She was blessed with many visits and care from her local friends Wanda, Vicki, Denise, cousins George & Faith Parker, and other loved ones.

Pat was predeceased by her parents Robert E. “Bob” Parker and Gloria “Jeanne” Parker; siblings Terry Charlene Parker and Robert Clifford Parker; brother-in-law Adam Reames. She is survived by sister Sharon Reames, nephew David Reames, niece Angela Reames, and many loving cousins and friends.

The family invites you to celebrate Pat’s life on Sunday, October 20th with visitation & light lunch at 12 pm and service to follow at 1:30 pm at Baldwin-Fairchild Altamonte EAST, 994 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Graveside burial after at Glen Haven Memorial Park. Pat loved to wear teal and flip-flops, the family invites you to come as you are. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Samaritan’s Purse, your local church, or favorite charity in memory of Pat.