Deacon JEFF "CHIEF" PARKER

Life’s Journey

Deacon Jeff Parker was born to Issac Parker and Louise Hokes on November 19, 1936 in Dermott (Collins), Arkansas. Jeff went to Dermott High School. He was a “taking care of my family type man” at an early age. He was known as “CHIEF” by his twin sisters.

At the age of 19, our daddy moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. He joined his beloved St. Paul Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and dedicated member for about 70 years until his homegoing on July 3, 2025. He loved the Brotherhood and the Deacon Board. His favorite saying was “GOOD,” and his favorite last sayings were, “Amen, hallelujah, and thank you JESUS”!

He met his beloved and beautiful wife of 60 years, Loraine Burress in December 1964. In two months, he knew that Lorraine would be his forever soulmate. Therefore, they were married in holy matrimony on February 27, 1965.

Daddy worked several jobs in his lifetime, the water company, Coke-Cola, J.R. Grobmeyer Lumber, Mom’s Biscuits, Wonder Bread company and finally, last but not least, retiring from the Arkansas Highway (now ARDOT) Interstate Sign Company. As you drive down the Arkansas highways and see the big green signs, yep, our dad made some of them.

He enjoyed fishing, cutting grass for family and friends, family nights, watching Westerns, the news, and sports. The Arkansas Razorbacks and the Washington Redskins were his favorite teams. Oh, not mention, he liked ANY team that would beat the Dallas Cowboys. He was member of the F. & A.M. Trinity Hall Grand Lodge #33 of Little Rock.

Jeff departed this eternal life and went to join those who preceded him; his parents, siblings: Sisters; Ida Goodwin, Betty Parker, & Josephine Christopher, Brothers: Bobby Parker & Charles Vesey, one Grandson: Mikhal Bailey, Brother in-law: Stanley McKinney, Earl James Sr., Son in-law: Buddy Marshall.

He leaves to cherish his love, legacy and laughter; his beautiful wife of 60 years (just celebrated on February 27th) Loraine, children; John Parker, Fred (Carmesha) Parker, Beverly Parker, Cynthia Parker-Powell (Perry), Latisha Parker, all of Little Rock, Twana Marshall of North Little Rock, AR. Sisters: Delores (James) Webster, of Little Rock, Eddie Mae McKinney of Cleveland, OH., Freddie Mae (Arthur) Williams and Irene James of Los Angeles, CA., Brother in-law Archie Goodwin of Little Rock, 11 grandchildren, 26 Greatgrandchildren, St. Paul B.C. family, and a host of other relatives and friends.

KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 8424 Kanis Road will be serving the Parker families. Visitation 3:30-5:00pm on Friday July 12th, at the funeral home's O.T. Smith & Sons Memorial Chapel. Family Hour 10-11:00am, Funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, both at St. Paul Baptist Church, 2603 Commerce, in Little Rock. For more information, sign online guest register, plant a Living Memorial Tree, send flowers/cards/condolences/photos, and light an "In Loving Memory Of" candle: www.kellysmithfunerals.com. * 501-612-5607

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