Doris Lillian Coffey Parker

Our wonderful mother, Doris Parker of Sherwood, Arkansas was a radiant beam of light that was sent to this earth July 22, 1931, to James and Ora Lofton Coffey. She was the 4th of 10 children, born in her grandfather's farm house, in Moro, Arkansas. After moving to Little Rock with her Aunt Lottie, she attended little Rock Public Schools and later graduated from the Dunbar Class of 1950. She was also a Cum Laude graduate of Philander Smith College, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In later years she also received her Master's degree in Social Sciences, at Sangamon State University, in Springfield, Illinois. In 1955, she was united in holy matrimony to SSGT Jesse L. Parker. Out of this union, she was blessed with two boys and two girls; Marvenia, Sherwood, Aaron & Anna-one of which, (Sherwood) she is now joyfully reunited with in Heaven. A teacher by trade, an evangelist by design, the esteemed Mrs. Parker chartered the first chapter of the National Honor Society at Carver Regional High School in Richmond, Va. After moving to Springfield, Illinois in 1966, another of her many accomplishments included writing the Alma Mater for the newly built Southeast High School. Her passion for writing gained the attention of likeminded others who networked together in the Renaissance Christian Writers group, which she created. Her legacy her passion and love for teaching continued throughout her entire life. She confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and united with Duncan United Methodist Church where she cheerfully served the Lord in numerous capacities; including, Consecrated Diaconal Minister, Sunday and Bible school teacher and Communion Steward. At the encouragement of her daughter, she later transferred her membership to Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, where they fellowshipped together and where she made numerous friends. She made an impression on everyone she met there, and has impacted many lives. A phenomenal woman beyond compare, whose accomplishments are too numerous to list, but are equally mentionable include; Poet; author of several books, soup kitchen assistant, evangelist, goodwill ambassador, Ouachita Girl Scout troop leader, prison ministry leader, and Camp Aldersgate bible teacher. She made her heavenly flight into Paradise, May 8, 2014, where she is resting safely in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her mother, son and brothers met her at the pearly gates, and she is now rejoicing with a heavenly host of angels! Hallelujah!! Preceding her transitional flight were her mother, father, husband, son, and eight siblings. Those waiting to see her again include three children: Marvenia Parker Hernandez, Aaron Parker and Anna (Michael) Williams; one beloved sister, Mary Lois Coffey Hardin; nine grandchildren, Tony (Aerial), Amelia (Breon), Vanessa (Shaun), Adam, Kristin, Jasmine, Julian, Jessica and Stephen; and several great-grandchildren. A very special nephew, David Coffey, is also waiting to see her again. Others include six sisters-in-law, Alma Coffey, Rev. Erma Armstrong, Kim Coffey, Meceria Coffey, Minnie Walter, and Priscilla Lawson; three brothers-in- law, Willie Hardin, Robert (Vergie) Lawson and Clarence Lawson; devoted friends, Linda Ray, Mr. & Mrs. Durthey Bishop and Mr. & Mrs. Luke Campbell. Also her presence will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving family and friends. A family hour in her honor will be Friday, May 16, 2014, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., L.R., Atk. (501) 372-1305. Transitional services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014, 12 noon at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine, NLR, Ark. Interment will Monday, May 19, 2014, 10 a.m., at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in Sherwood, 1501 Maryland Ave., NLR, Ark.