March
8, 1906 - Dec. 15, 2009SOUTH BEND - Mother Ethel Parker departed this life on Dec. 15th. She was born on March 8, 1906, in Omega, LA, to the late James and Viola Smith. In 1924 she married the late Rev. Jessie James Parker. God blessed this union with two children, Jessie James Parker Jr. and Minister Willie R. Chism, who both preceded her in death. She moved to South Bend with her husband in 1958 and joined Macedonia M.B. Church. Mother was a faithful member of the Mother Board where she served as president. She will be remembered for her sprit-filled singing of the Dr. Watts' spiritual hymns and songs of the church. She leaves to cherish her loving memory 12 grandchildren (seven of whom she helped raise) Herbert (Rosa) Vingar, Raymond Vingar - deceased, Jerry (Anette) Lewis, Bobby (Linda) Lewis, Brenda, Linda and Jackie (Mercy) Lewis. Her other grandchildren include Carol Sims, Donald Parker, Beverly Parker, Bishop Ralph Parker, Rev. Kevin Parker and Jocelyn Thompson. She also leaves 25 great-grandchildren and a host of great-great-grandchildren. She had one dear sister, Mary Cooper, who preceded her in death. We were blessed to have her for 103 years. Services for Mother Parker will be Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in the Macedonia M.B. Church, 1862 N. Olive St., with Pastor Ray Owens officiating; visitation 11:00 a.m., funeral services at noon. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.