Viola Marie Parker

VIOLA MARIE PARKER was born on July 12, 1922 in Monroe, North Carolina. She departed this life November 18, 2010 at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was last remaining of five children born to Bogan and Minnie Griffin Laney. Viola received her formal education and graduated from the public schools of Hoke County, North Carolina. Viola was joined in holy matrimony to John Roland Parker (who preceded her in death) in 1942 in Monroe, North Carolina. From this union they were blessed with three children: Roland Parker and Betty Hawkins, Phyllis Jones. In 1958 the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Viola gave her life to Christ at a very early age where she joined Center Grove Baptist Church in Red Springs, North Carolina. That was the beginning of her strong spiritual relationship that made her a true woman of God. After coming to Baltimore, she joined New Christian Memorial Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Thomas Godwin and current Pastor, Rev. Walter Bronson, Jr. where she continued her spiritual growth. She was a member of the Sanctuary Choir and was their Prayer Leader. Viola had a great love and compassion for her family, friends and all those who had the opportunity to know her. She enjoyed learning God’s word and going to church. Although she had a strong prayer life and fellowship with her Christian family, Viola also had the gift of laughter that could lift your spirit at low moments. During the late 1970’s, Sister Viola Parker began to attend the Prayer Band that met weekly in the basement of Overseer Cummings’ home. After being led by God, she later became a member of Victory Prayer Chapel and remained faithful for over twenty-five years. While there, she served as a Senior Usher, the Recording Secretary and most importantly as the leader of the Intercessory Prayer Team. This was a work she took very seriously and with great compassion. Sister Parker could always be counted on to pray consistently over any requests that were made known to her. Sister Parker possessed a meek and humble spirit. Although quiet, her presence was quite noticeable because she stood out as a true woman of God. This was exemplified in her clothing, her demeanor, her voice and just everything about her. She was a cherished and well-loved member of our church family. Without a doubt, she will be sorely missed. She leaves to cherish her memory: on son, Roland Thomas Parker (Carolyn); two daughters, Betty Hawkins (Gerald) and Phyllis Jones (Luther); grandchildren, Gernell Hawkins, Tiffany Ford (Eric), Torrey Parker, Simone Rice (Ruben), Gerad Poindexter (Danielle) and Gerald Poindexter (granddaughter Shawn Hawkins preceded her in death); great-grandchildren, Koron and Kamauri Ford, Kaila, Kyndall and Rashied Rice, Breanna and Gerard Jr. Poindexter, Brooklyn Parker; three sisters-in-law, Willie Parker of Pennsylvania and Lillie Smith of New Jersey, Minnie Laney of Baltimore, Maryland; a host of nieces and nephews, Rev. Grace Godwin, Play Mother, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Viola Marie Parker

July 12, 1922 - November 18, 2010