Gwendolyn Parker

In 1945, the Parker family moved from Crockett, Texas making Phoenix, Arizona their new home. Gwendolyn was the second child born to Emory Lee and Esther Parker on June 8, 1946.

Gwendolyn, having spent years at various assignments with her mother, and father, who was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army, traveled with her family extensively through Europe, Central Pacific, Hawaii, Guam and France. Living and learning through these experiences, afforded them all a cultural awareness few rarely receive. Taking advantage of these experiences, Gwen learned to speak French as a second language.

Gwendolyn graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1963. She continued her education at Phoenix College, and Arizona State University. She later married Isaac Jackson and together they had four children: Devalon, Shannon, Djakarta and Lesly.

It is not an overstatement to say that Gwendolyn had a plethora of talents that she so readily shared with family, friends and the community at large. In an effort to attempt justice to this talent, we are sharing with you a miniscule synopsis in a separate insert.

The Passion which was so evident in her creativity PALED in comparison to the love and dedication she had and gave to her immediate, nuclear and extended family.

Gwendolyn lived a life full of giving of herself and her time. She did her best to make sure that her family was well taken care of starting with her mother, brother’s and sister to her nieces, nephews, great nephew, aunt, uncle and to her community.

In an effort to keep young children and adults involved in their community Gwen started a community clean up program in the 70’s, that helped her neighbors reinforce their since of pride and taking ownership in how their community appealed not only to the families that lived there, but to others that would pass through.

This program would begin on early Saturday mornings at Lindo Park in South Phoenix where neighborhood families, together with other families, would clean the streets and open fields to rid it of

debris that was an eyesore. After the clean up she would provide a picnic for the community at Lindo Park which all that participated highly enjoyed, not only the food but the community cohesiveness that it brought.

Gwendolyn’s Love, work ethic and pride of ownership was truly a sight to behold, an Honor and Privilege to be a part of. She has truly left her family and friends a legacy of memories that will continue to live on.

We will miss you greatly, until we meet again.

Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her father Emory L. Parker, Sr.; mother Esther O. Parker; sister Gloria Jean Parker; brother Emory L. Parker, Jr.; and beloved and only son Devalon B. Jackson.

Gwendolyn is survived by daughters Shannon Marlene, Djakarta Dawn and Lesly Jade (Melvin Hilton); grandchildren Devalon B. II, Kendall Jeffery-Alexander, Anthony II, Briahna Jenae’, Faren Diyea, Qualen Braxton, Domynic Elijah, Brenden Khalil and Haleigh Jade; brother Jerold Sr.; ex-husband Isaac; nieces Denise, Felicia, Darzella and LaToya; nephews Curtis, Darren, Jerald Jr, Emory Jr., and Charles; and great grandson Devalon B. III