Obituary

Florence Ernestine Parker
(April 22, 1926 - January 8, 2013)

On April 22, 1926 in the city of Huntington, West Virginia the clock of life began ticking for Florence Ernestine Parker. She was the first born child to the late Hershell and Eunice Coleman Washington. She was raised by her mother and grandmother who instilled in her strong family values. She received her early education in the Cabell County Public School System, graduating from Douglas High School. On February 23, 1945 she married the love of her life Randolph Parker. Ernestine as she was known by family and friends was a Certified Dental Assistant for 33 years. She was a member of the American Dental Association and the National Dental Association. Following her retirement she remained active by volunteering at Cabell-Huntington Hospital and the Ebenezer Medical Outreach. She was a member of the Huntington Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club of which she was named the National Volunteer (Retired) by the Association for her volunteer work in the community. In her later years she enjoyed sitting on her porch, going to the YMCA, walking in the park and going to the Marie Redd Senior Center. She was a faithful member of the Young Chapel AME Church for 65 years, having served as an Usher, a Stewart and serving anywhere she could in the church. On Valentine’s Day 2010 She and her husband were featured in an article in the Herald-Dispatch for being Valentine’s for over 60 years in recognition of their 64th Wedding Anniversary. The most important things in Ernestine’s life were her Lord and her Family. On Tuesday, January 8, 2013 from a room at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House the clock that began 86 years, 8 months and 16 days ago came to a stop when Ernestine was called to join her parents, Hershell and Eunice, other relatives and friends who preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving and devoted husband of 67 years Randolph W. Parker. Two children, Larry Parker and Gerri Parker Stewart both of Columbus, Ohio. Two grandchildren, Stephanie Parker and Michelle Grant both of Columbus, Ohio. 3 great-grandchildren, Kiera, Stephan and Keith Parker-Emerson all of Columbus, Ohio. 3 sisters, Maxine Johnson and Jean Barnes both of Louisville, Kentucky and Lillian Branch of Richmond, Virginia. Special nieces, Paula Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky and Vickie Cooper of Richmond, Virginia and a host of other relatives and friends. The Celebration of Life will be Noon Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Young Chapel AME Church, with Reverend ReLoy Gainey, officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until the time of the service at the church.