Glennis J. Parker

Glennis Jean (Hughes) Parker, age 90 of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Glennis was born October 18, 1934 in Dixon, Missouri, to Benny Byron and Bertha Ellen (Dickens) Hughes, deceased. Her brother, Douglas James Hughes, also passed March 23, 2021.

Glennis is survived by husband of nearly 72 years, George J. Parker, one daughter, Becky LeAnn (Parker) Powers, and grandchildren, Parker W. Bergman and Darci D. Bergman and husband Paul Sutherland. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Leonardo and Sophia Love Sutherland. Extended family survivors include her sister, Alice R. Lucas, sister-in-law, Sandra Hughes, and brother-in-law, Norman Parker and wife Sharon, along with nieces and nephews.

Glennis graduated from Dixon High School and enjoyed staying in touch with other graduates from the class of 1952. She and George married at Dixon Baptist Church on Easter, 1953. She graduated summa cum laude from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR. Her master’s degree and additional graduate studies were from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

She and her family enjoyed travel to many places, including the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. When they returned, she put on a red, white and blue dress and applied to the Arkansas State Historian and Governor Dale Bumpers to direct the state celebration of the bicentennial of the American Revolution planned for 1976. She was hired.

Glennis retired from teaching at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She enjoyed walking, reading paper newspapers, and working crossword puzzles. Her favorite experience was a walk, with George, from Hampton Court Palace in London, on the Thames River Footpath, to its source. They traveled with no reservations and light backpacks, always surprised by the friendly people they met. One man claimed his refurbished houseboat helped in the rescue at Dunkirk. They got to Henley in time for a celebration of Britain’s Olympic champion rowing team, led by Steve Redgrave, winner of gold medals in five different Olympics. In Oxford, they survived a storm which the newspapers called the “Storm of the Century”. Fortunately, the driver said it may be a little dicey, but he felt he could get us back to the airport. He managed to negotiate some obstacles and we arrived at the airport with two hours to spare. It was a wonderful adventure despite the anxiety.

Glennis proceeded to teach English at NSU and was instrumental in getting their computer programs started. She retired from NSU and began assisting George in his construction work. With that concluded, she and George saw it was time to give up their occupations and spend more time with family and friends. Living in the same neighborhood for more than half of their married lives has made for a pleasant life. From our back porch, we can witness many of the high school activities plus, we have come to enjoy great neighbors.

Thanks to so many that Glennis wanted to express her thanks to you.

The family will be receiving guest on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.