Mary Helen Parker of Kansas City, Missouri October 30, 1928 – February 5, 2019 Mary Helen Hayes was born October 30, 1928, in Enid, Oklahoma to Samuel and Mary E. Hayes. At a young age, Mary Helen and her family moved to Kansas City, MO where they were devoted members of St. Stephen Baptist Church. Mary Helen attended Kansas City Public Schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1947.
She later began a 35 year career in the wholesale fashion accessory business at the Gerson Jewelry Company, retiring in 1993. On April 29, 1956, her life was further enriched when she married Robert Lee Parker, Jr. at St. Stephen Baptist Church. From this union they were blessed with two daughters, Tammy and Melina.
Robert and Mary Helen loved family gatherings, traveling, dancing, attending drum and bugle corps competitions and organizing and participating in activities with fellow members of Lincoln/R.T. Coles Alumni Association. After starting their family and moving to midtown Kansas City, Mary Helen and Robert became active members of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church where she worshiped for over 50 years. She was a member of the Pastor’s Cabinet, served on the hostess committee, the tape ministry, secretary of the Senior Adult Sunday School class, and she enjoyed several trips with the Senior Ambassadors.
In 1994, her Palestine Sunday School family named her Mother of the Year! In addition to her various church activities, she was very active in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed their important activities or sporting events and always arrived wearing the team colors.
Volunteering was also very important to her. She shared her time, talents and treasurers with various non-profit organizations such as Niles Home for Children, Palestine Senior Activity Center and as a member of the SPROUTS volunteer group for Swope Health Services. Mary Helen peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Robert Lee Parker, Jr.; brother, Cleo Foreman and sister, Bobby Christopher. She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Tammy Edwards (James) and Melina Johnson; five grandchildren, Aaron Edwards (Allison), Melesa Johnson, Bryce Edwards, Stacey Johnson and Robert Edwards; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Jorden and Austin Edwards; one godson, Matthew Williams brother-in-love, Carl Christopher; long time devoted caregiver, Twana Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She had such a sweet spirit and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Services for Mrs. Parker will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Tuesday at the church.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
