Mrs. Johnnie Mae Parker

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Parker, 96, of 5300 Wood Sage Rd., Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at 3:25 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Heartland of Riverview in East Peoria. Mother Parker was born on September 21, 1915 in Atkins, Ark., to Will and Gertie (Lemley) Parker. She married Johnny B. Parker and they shared over 50 years of marriage until his death in February of 1985. Mother Parker leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving family which includes her loving and devoted son, Colee (Letitia) Parker of Peoria; one beloved brother, Tommie (Beatrice) Parker of Peoria; another daughter-n-law, Peggy Parker of Peoria; 13 grandchildren, Bruce (Carmen) Gordon, Jacqueline Brown, Craig Gordon, Elliott “Scott” (Janet) Gordon, Jeffrey (Sheri) Gordon, Gale (Anthony) Mayo, Kim Dickerson, Charles (Melissa Lear) Parker, Tammy (Darren Overton) on, Corby (Sophia) Parker, Prekenna Hunt, Janine (Martin) Villines and Chantele Parker; 29 great grandchildren; 7 great –great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Hugh C. Parker, two daughters, Ruth Gordon and Gloria Stine DuBose; one brother Colett Parker; five sisters, Luella, Rosie, Drucilla, Willie and Sadie; one grandchild and three great grandchildren. Mother Parker accepted Christ at an early age down in Arkansas. She was a former member of True Light Baptist Church in Blytheville, Ark and Shady Grove Baptist Church in Hermondale, MO. She later moved to Peoria where she became a member of New Morning Star M.B. Church under the leadership of the Rev. Calvin Hightower. Over the years, Mother Parker served on the Mothers Board and as a soloist at New Morning Star. Mother Parker was also a member of the Altruistic Club (formerly named the Keystone Wives.) Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012 at New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 12 noon. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr., will officiate. Mother Parker will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made through simonsmortuary.com

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Mrs. Johnnie Mae Parker

September 21, 1915 - June 14, 2012