Emma Mariah Parker

eMMa MarIah ParKer, the daughter of the late Effie and Raymond Goodwin, was born May 13, 1925 in Chuckatuck, Virginia. She entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Ellicott City Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. She received her early education in Virginia and continued her education in Baltimore, Maryland. In Virginia, she was employed with Planters Peanut Co. in Suffolk, VA and also Smithfield Packing Co. in Smithfield, VA. After relocating to Baltimore, Emma was employed at Maryland General Hospital for a number of years and later at Mrs. Filberts Co. from which she retired after approximately twenty years of faithful service. She met and married the late George Arthur Liggins. They were blessed and raised five children.. She received Christ at Little Bethel Baptist Church in Chuckatuck, Virginia and then after moving to Baltimore she joined First Emmanuel Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Norfleet, where she was a member of the usher board and sang on the choir. Later, Emma joined New Mount Hebron Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend John L. Leary. It was during this time that Emma met the late Earl L. Parker whom she married in January of 1973. While at New Mount Hebron, she served with the pastor's aides, was a member of the usher board, sang on the choir, was a Trustee, and held various positions in the church. Emma was a faithful member at New Mount Hebron for over forty years. In the late 2000's, she was under watch care of Pastor Shantel A. Louallen at Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church, where she later joined the church, became a member of The Mothers of Pearl Choir and remained faithful until her death. Her singing voice, often times, attracted the attention of many people who were drawn to its beauty and high pitch. Emma, having a keen alert mind, was full of wisdom, and people were drawn to her magnetic personality. She was creative, strong willed and most talented with her hands (sewing, ceramics, crocheting, making jewelry, making hats, and other crafts). When you met her, you knew you had met someone very special. Her children loved her as well as her community. She leaves to cherish her memory: five children, Pernell Liggins (Arlene), Bishop-Elect William Liggins, Sr. (Patricia), Shirley Hannah (Richard, Sr.), Melvin Liggins, Sr. (Diane), all of Baltimore, Maryland and Deborah Liggins of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Carrie Coston of Smithfield of Virginia; brother, Joseph Coston (Marilyn) of Portsmouth, Virginia; a special niece, Emestine Goodwin of Baltimore, Maryland; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Emma Mariah Parker

May 13, 1925 - July 14, 2014