Mary E. Gorham Parker | Eastern NC Now

    Mary E. (Gorham) Parker age 94 of Painesville for the past 41 years formerly of Washington, NC, died Friday October 3, 2014 at home surrounded by her family.

    She was born November 25, 1919 in Aurora, NC. Her hobbies included baking and cooking especially for her family. Being the matriarch of five generations she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was blessed to see her great-great grandchildren. Known to all as "Mother" she mentored and imparted words of wisdom to all who crossed her path.

    Mrs. Parker was a cook at Lake /Geauga Headstart for a number of years. Prior to that she was a nurse in North Carolina. Mrs. Parker was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where she was often heard humming "I come to the Garden."

    Survivors include her children: Lee (Sandra) Coffee Sr., Sam (Ann) Parker Jr, Darnell (Bud) Woods, Omar (Betty) Parker, Donna (Sly) Link, Mary V. Parker, Frank Parker, Iris Parker, and Alveno (Tammy) Parker, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren representing five generations.

    Preceding her in death is her husband Sam Parker Sr., her children Eleanor Parker, Dora Lee Parker, Alvin R "JuJu" Parker and her parents, Lee Coffee & Rosella Gorham.

    The funeral service will be 11 am Friday October 10, 2014 at Union Community Church 10959 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Painesville.

    The family will receive friends Thursday 6-8 pm and Friday 10-11 am at the church.

    Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Painesville.

    Arrangements Entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060.

    Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com.