Obituary of Amanda Louise Parker

PARKER Amanda Louise Parker passed away on December 23, 2017, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 93. Amanda was born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Louise Lee. She was brought up by her great-grandmother, the late Mary Alexander. As a child, Amanda joined and attended Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. After graduating from Stanton High School and attending Spelman College and Bethune- Cookman University, she married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, the late Arthur W. Parker, Sr. She was married for 69 years. Amanda and Arthur joined the Church of Christ in 1950 so that they would worship together and bring up their family in a loving, caring, Christian environment. Amanda was a brilliant, talented, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and her husband had a successful restaurant and grocery store. She enjoyed sewing and cooking and made many of her children's clothes as well as prepared gourmet meals for her family and anyone who was in need. She enjoyed collecting unique porcelain dolls, and angel figurines. Amanda was very generous and donated to a variety of charities. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts from Edward Waters College and a Master of Education from Florida A& M University. She taught at Sallye B. Mathis Elementary school (a.k.a. Forest Hills) for over 25 years. In addition to teaching her students the basic subjects, she taught them proper etiquette and self- respect. She also inspired her students to reach their full potential and always aim for the stars. She was in charge of the school patrol and after school extra- curricular activities. As a parent, she was an active member of the PTA at her children's schools and was involved in many social activities including fundraising. Amanda was actively involved in her community. Amanda enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family, relatives, and friends. She was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She was also a member of The Ladies of the Link golf club, which exposed young African American children to golf. Amanda was a member of Duval Teacher's United, and the Florida Education Association (FEA). She was an alumna of Bethune- Cookman University and Edward Waters College. Amanda is survived by her children: Eleanor Farmer, Georgia; Carolyn Fairley (Wendell) Florida; Arthur Parker Jr., Maryland; Madeliene Manuel (James) North Carolina; Carried Russell (James) Florida; Norma Jean Gainers (Byron) Florida; Nicholas Parker, Georgia; and Amanda Parker-Mason (John) Florida; grandchildren: Arthur Farmer, John Farmer Jr., Winova Mayer (Kevin), Jamila Parker, Johnita Patterson (Anthony), Byron Gainers, Jr., James Russell IV (Nicole), Amanda Sands (Franklin), Nicole Brown (Colin), Dr. Madeliene Gainers, Lisa Jackson (James), Richard Russell (Angela) and Amanda Mason; step granddaughter, Deiedra Farmer Jones (Lamont); great grandchildren; sister-in-law, ex daughters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Parker; parents; and granddaughter, Catherine Light. Her generosity, kind heart, sweet personality, and leadership demeanor will be greatly missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held at A.B. Coleman Mortuary, 5660 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 on Thursday, December 28 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Her memorial service will be at Riverview Church of Christ, 2053 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208 on Friday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m.