Mr. Charles Parker

Charles Douglas Parker was born February 7, 1946 in Quanah, Texas to Deacon Emmitt C. and Veola V. Parker. Bro. Parker accepted Christ as a child and worked tirelessly for the Lord until He called him home. Charles went to school in Lubbock until his parents moved to Houston, Texas to seek better opportunities. While there Charles’s family joined Lyons Temple under the leadership of Bishop W.G. Law, where Charles’s father, the late Deacon Emmitt Parker and Sis. Veola Parker served faithfully in various roles. It was here where Charles learned faithfulness, service and dedication to the Lord, these qualities would serve him well in life. Charles later graduated from Evan E. Worthing High School in 1964 and attended University of Houston until he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. While in the Army, Charles served his country with dedication as a Medic and assistant to an Army doctor in Germany. During his tour, Charles soaked up the local culture and learned a lot during his time in Europe. He always felt it was a good idea to learn about people through their surroundings. On December 21, 1968 Charles married his sweetheart Shirley M. Moore in a lavish ceremony at Greater Law Memorial Church of God in Christ. This church being the former Lyons Temple where Charles’s family were faithful members moved to its current location. Thereafter, Charles and Shirley settled into married and family life in Houston and soon welcomed a daughter, Charlotte in 1969.The family moved to Worthington, Ohio where Charles worked in Petrochemical industry. The family later moved South to New Iberia, Louisiana a little closer to family and lived there for several years. While there, they welcomed a son Charles Omari in 1977. In 1979, the family moved back to Houston and remained there permanently. The Parker family became members of Pentecostal Temple COGIC under the leadership of the late Pastor L.P. Tillman. Here, Charles became a deacon and Shirley a deaconess. They served in this church teaching Sunday school, assisting Pastor Tillman, cooking suppers, cleaning, singing in the choir, ushering, picking up parishioners, and a host of other duties as needed. Throughout his life, Charles felt a deep love for the Lord, his family, his church family and his community. He and Shirley invested a lot of time into building relationships with family members and cultivating relationships with others. He would always lend a helping hand to those in need and served his community. He believed that if we said we loved the Lord, then show it. He believed in supporting various charities with consistent donations over the years and always understood we are to be good citizens if we love the Lord. He always said, “If you are going to worry, then don’t pray; if you pray, don’t worry”. Charles always believed that you should always let the Lord guide you in all your decisions. He loved laughter and joking around with family and always had a smile. A wonderful Christian example to those who knew him. On November 6, 2019 Deacon Charles D. Parker peacefully departed this life for a heavenly one. Preceding him in death were his parents, Deacon Emmitt and Sis. Veola Parker and close relatives with whom he grew up. He leaves to cherish his life and memories: his wife of 51 years, Shirley Parker, daughter Charlotte (Anthony); Son Charles Omari, Sr.; one sister Elizabeth Allen, grandchildren: Solomon, Charles Omari, Jr., Chad, Catherine, Terry Lynn, Gabriella. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones who were very close to him and Shirley.

Mr. Charles Parker

February 7, 1946 - November 6, 2019