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Edna Parker Obituary
UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles said Parker's great-nephew notified him that Parker died Wednesday at a nursing home in Shelbyville. She was 115 years, 220 days old, said Robert Young, a senior consultant for gerontology for Guinness World Records.
Parker was born April 20, 1893, in central Indiana's Morgan County and had been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person since the 2007 death in Japan of Yone Minagawa, who was four months her senior.
Coles maintains a list of the world's oldest people and said Parker was the 14th oldest validated supercentenarian in history. Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who was born Sept. 10, 1893, is now the world's oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Parker had been a widow since her husband, Earl Parker, died in 1939 of a heart attack. She lived alone in their farmhouse until age 100, when she moved into a son's home and later to the Shelbyville nursing home.
Although she never drank alcohol or tried tobacco and led an active life, Parker didn't offer tips for living a long life. Her only advice to those who gathered to celebrate when she became the oldest person was "more education."
Parker outlived her two sons, Clifford and Earl Jr. She also had five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
"We don't know why she's lived so long," Don Parker said before his grandmother's 115th birthday. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."
Parker taught in a two-room school in Shelby County for several years until she wed her childhood sweetheart and neighbor in 1913. The same year, she graduated from Franklin College with a teaching certificate.
But as was the tradition of that era, her teaching career ended with her marriage. Parker traded the schoolhouse for life as a farmer's wife, preparing meals for as many as a dozen men who worked on her husband's farm.
Parker noted with pride last year that she and her husband were one of the first owners of an automobile in their rural area.
Coincidentally, Parker lived in the same nursing home as 7-foot-7 Sandy Allen, whom Guinness recognized as the world's tallest woman until her death in August.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
90 Entries
Camella Ford
December 2, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harry Simpson
November 26, 2016
Godspeed....
Deborah (Asher)Swint
January 10, 2014
I was at the nursing home visiting my aunt shortly before she passed. I was unaware she was there. I went to school with her grandson Don and would have visited her also. So sorry for your loss.
How you can show support
November 26, 2013
Parker Family, How lucky you were to have a living part of history to learn from. We in Spencer, Wisconsin had Merle Pickett,109 to glean from and even her history lives on in our museum.
ckurz [email protected]
July 1, 2010
"...For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be;...." ( Isaiah 65:22 ) What a wonderful promise to out live trees!
Jenna K A.
May 14, 2010
Wow 115 years old? This is truly Amazing!
Is it possible that our bodies were not meant to grow old and die but to live-on forever on earth?
Definitely, the human body is marvelously designed.
At Psalms 139:14 King Solomon wrote “We should give God praise, because in a fear-inspiring way,
we are wonderfully made”.
Our Condolence to the Family
Adrian Cavazos
December 10, 2009
RIP Edna. You will remain with us in spirit.
Emily
December 29, 2008
My grandfather just died and he was 106, and i thought he was old! God bless you Edna.
Willie Preston Simmons JR
December 2, 2008
I would like to say thank God for sharing such a wonderful woman with
us. Mrs Edna Parker was not afraid to
share her life with others. A true role model for young men and women today. God bless her and All her Kin forever. Love was shown in hard times and good times. "AMEN"
December 2, 2008
God Blessed You Edna with a Full and Wonderful Life! You will live on in Our Hearts Forever!
Walter Sulkowski
December 2, 2008
WOW! Unbelievable. You have achieved greatness. RIP Edna!
Marilyn
December 2, 2008
The World Oldest Woman That Is Sad That She Had To Leave her family but if anyone asked me to guess how old she was I would say 92 she doesn't even look that old but 115 years old mean she kept her body healthy and thats how she got to live her long and interesting life.. Gone but never forgotten in everyone's mind she is known As the Worlds Oldest Person!!
December 2, 2008
Edna, had work to do, and her job ended on Wednesday. Now Edna your in "Gods Garden" rest in Peace.
Esther Araiza Mendez, Glendale, Arizona
Linda Hagens
December 2, 2008
Edna was blessed with a long life & good health! That's so so awesome! I know GOD had a plan for her! Now she is with her loved ones up in heaven. She's our Angel of hope! May GOD bless the Parker Family!
SHEILA SMITH
December 2, 2008
Rest in Peace Edna.
A christian friend.
December 2, 2008
Edna sounds like a wonderful woman, Not everybody gets to live such a long life as your mother did,I'm sure that she's living on in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ and with her husband, May God Bless you and your family at this sad time.
Pauline Hicks
December 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynne Vauthier
December 1, 2008
To love and to have been loved....
What a beautiful life she must have had.
sharon weidner
December 1, 2008
my deepest sympathy goes out to the family n friends of this special lady..what a amazing life she lived and i wish i could have met her as well...what a legacy she lived and all in the name of jesus...my prayers too all and rest in peace our angel edna for you have completed your life here on earth and to start a new life with our lord and savior jesus christ and what a wonderful time we all will have when he comes to take us home may you rest in peace our angel edna and gbu all
Quinn, Lynn Birmingham
December 1, 2008
The things you have seen and done.
The storys you have told. The love you have given, god bless you Eden Parker. We will miss you.
Sue
December 1, 2008
Imagine the wealth of knowledge that left with her. Condolences to her family.
Liz Martinez
December 1, 2008
Blessings make you live as long as Ms. Parker did. the Word of God says, Respect your father and mother is the first commandment that has a promise added; so that all may go well with you and you may live a long time in the land . Eph.6:2-3 thats how I know why Ms. parker lived. GOD never goes back on his word.
May God bless you and the family.
Liz M.
Mary Jeffers
December 1, 2008
In Memory of Edna Parker:
Bless your heart, 115 years old....God gives us a body to take care of and you did that. You never smoke or drank alcoholic beverages. You were a teacher and completed the requirements for that. Now you are reunited with your husband. Oh what a day that must have been. Doctors enjoy talking to someone who has seen so much history and you lived to see and hear about President elect Obama. May your soul enter Heaven before the devil knows you're dead.
Joseph F. Gunn
December 1, 2008
She must have been a joy to be around. I would have loved to have met her. She was full of love and was more than blessed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Mindy Yeakle (Warren)
December 1, 2008
Mrs. Curnutt,
I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. I have been keeping up in the news with her as being the oldest person in the world for the past year. Please accept my condolences.
Your third grade student,
Emma Henderson
December 1, 2008
What a wonderful testament to good healthy living and the love of God.If only we all could live a simple
respectful life.To the family,someone write a book for all to read.God bless and keep you strong.
Loogootee Police Dept
December 1, 2008
What a wonderful thing to live to 115. We wish her well in eternity.
Tami Bramblett
December 1, 2008
Wow, what a life. What joy to see your great-great-grandchildren. Now she is home with Our Lord and her husband and children. God Bless her family for appreciating such a treasure.
Cynthia Stewart
December 1, 2008
To the Parker Family:At Psalms 90:9,10.saysFor all our days have come to their decline in your fury .WE have finished our years just like a whisper. In themselves the days of our years are seventy years.Andif because of special mightiness they are eigthy years..... So Mrs Parker had that speical mightiness to make a name with God.
John Lamphere
December 1, 2008
My condolences to all concerned. Truly a super woman! How fantastic to have lived so long and in such good health and spirits! I especially enjoyed reading about her life and how she survived that fall and laying in the snow at age 100! Truly remarkable. Her genes are those of a truly superwoman. Something to be envied by any person alive! May God bless you all and shine on you at this time and always. John F. Lamphere, Sr. and family, South Montrose, PA.
Wendy
November 30, 2008
To Edna,
God Gave You A Wonderful Gift,To Live That Long, And Now Your With God And His Angel's. Enjoy Your LIfe On The Other Side, I Hear Its Beautiful.
AlwaysBlessingNeverLosses
Wendy
Brandi
November 30, 2008
I read about this woman in a Wikipedia article I found in Yahoo!. She has been through so much and I hate to hear her go. You are in a better place now. Rest In Peace! Wish I could have met you and listen to you talk about so many interesting things. Peace be with you always!
MURL CRABTREE
November 30, 2008
GOD BLESS EDNA,
I'M SURE SHE WAS A LOVELY LADY.I WISH I COULD OF MEET HER AND WE COULD OF HAD A LITTLE CHAT AND MAYBE SHE COULD OF LEARNED ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS. I'M SURE EVERYONE LOVED HER.
MURL CRABTREE-HERRIN ILLINOIS
missie severs
November 30, 2008
bless her heart.she has a special place up in heaven that God has prepared her for.
Dudley Haas
November 30, 2008
God Bless her! My grandfather lived to be 127, so I know what it's like to loose a loved one whos lived to be a centorian. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thomas Family
November 30, 2008
She is watching over her loved ones and is very happy with her boys now, what a very beautiful lady,
Rosalie Payne
November 30, 2008
I send my prayers to her family. She lived a longggggggg life...
Kristi Grier
November 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
MONIQUE CLOES
November 29, 2008
YOU WILL BE MISSED
T Hardy
November 29, 2008
Ms. Edna was truly an angel; celebrate her life, don't mourn her death.
eliza ison
November 29, 2008
god is love
Frances Lorraine Trinidad
November 29, 2008
i am amazed with the story of parker...it inspired me that life is long enough if you know how to live it right...
Cher
November 29, 2008
Rest in peace lovely lady. God has taken you to begin another journey. I would have enjoyed meeting you.
Your precious smile and wisdom. What a treasure. God's
special angel.. Now your smiling from the heavens. Keep
sending your love our way.
Cher
Jay Jones
November 29, 2008
I Just seen this Woman On The Yahoo Front Page As The Oldest Woman In Indiana An So I Looked Her Up And Read About Her And I Fell In Love With Her That quick I Wish I Could Have Meet Her And Listen To her Tell Me Stories About How it Was Back Then When She Was Born And All I Have to Say Is That She Lived A very Good Life And God Blessed Her With A Beautiful Family And May She Rest In Peace
M Haynes
November 29, 2008
What a wonderful blessing it must have been for Mrs. Edna to live to be 115 years old. I'm sorry about your loss, I will keep your family lifted up in prayer, may god keep you during this time.
PeggySue DiDolce
November 28, 2008
God Bless you and your family. She is an obvious picture of the blessings he has already bestowed. What a blessing! Would love for you to share some younger photos of her in her glory also. Give thanks! Sincerely, the DiDolces'
Evelyn
November 28, 2008
my deepest condolences...
with love...
Denise Cook
November 28, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the family of Edna Parker. This was truely a blessing. God bless each of you.
fredia pruitt
November 28, 2008
with love
Mary Rose and David Lee Kimmel
November 28, 2008
Edna Parker Is In Paradise, Heaven."
By: Mary Rose Kimmel
Everyone has a memory of her story;
Dedicated once to her loved one,
Now, she is with him, singing a hymn,
Alway's known for her age, she won!
Perhaps some that signed this knew;
A wife, mother, grandma to all,
Remembering some story with proof,
Kneadingship with man, and women,
she stood tall...
Everyone has a memory, so fond one,
Remembering how she enriched their
life!
I never met; Edna Parker, but read;
Some stories of her life, 115 years of
age....strive....
I wish I had met; Edna Parker, Do
you?
Now, someday we all will,
Parker is a famous name I'm told, few
And then some around, and some
still;
Relative perhaps with Edna too,
A generation of them here in my
hometown,
Dear Jesus; you know them, all
christian's, like Mrs. Parker; you,
I never knew; Edna, read on down....
Someday we'll know her, in heaven,
Everyone was glad to see her home,
Her life was full, so much to
remember when she could,
Everyone is reading this poem,
And I'll remember her story that
stood
Very true, and out from the rest,
Everyone knew her will remember the
best....
Never did I know Edna Parker, Did
you?
11/28th/08
Our deepest sympathy to the family, close friend's of Edna Parker. May God, our heavenly Father keep your mind open to your fond memories, and those she had shared with you. Prayers are sent to you.
RENDA ROBERTS
November 28, 2008
Take comfort those who love will be reunited in eternity .
The Jackson Family
November 28, 2008
Edna had that special mightiness spoken of at Psalms 90:10, "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if becsuse of special mightiness they are eighty years..." Family, we hope you will be encouraged by what Jesus said at John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life."
deborah rynkowski
November 28, 2008
it is a mariclethat some people live over 115 years and some people live only 89 years and under i had a aunt that lived till she was 102 years old and now mrs parker is home in heaven with god like my aunt is in heaven with god too
Bob O'Connor
November 28, 2008
How wonderful a life. I should only hope that my wife will wait 76 years to see me again in Heaven.
donna medeiros
November 28, 2008
What a very special angel Edna Parker is now. God blessed her so very much but she has eternal life now with the Lord. God bless the family.
MTC Lee Decardenas, US Navy
November 28, 2008
May angels guide her soul into the Glory of the Lord. To her family may the Grace of God be upon you during this time. Now she is a child again in the playground of Heaven!
brent bagley
November 28, 2008
God bless the Parker family in the homegoing of "Miss Edna'
She has just passed her 115 record years into the gates of Heaven and will live on!
SFC Brent Bagley
US Army
jerry pinto
November 28, 2008
Now your home.
Rest in peace.
Jeanne
November 28, 2008
My condolences go out to all those who knew and loved Edna. What an amazing life she had. The Bible says that it is God's will that we live forever under His Kingdom that is soon to come to this earth. (Matthew 6:10, Psalms 37:10,11,29)
Glenn Holler
November 28, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Hazel Davis
November 28, 2008
For the past sometime, since this wonderful lady has been in the news, I've followed the media, just to know about her, & regret that I never met her...for I do Believe,that Mrs. Parker, is a Great Inspiration, to us all...& has had Much Influence, with all who have known her, over the many years she has lived.
I am Always Interested in Anyone by the Sir - Name (last name) of Parker, since I too...am a Direct Descendant of the Family Name of Parker, and am Distant Kin, to Most All Parker Families in America.
I am a Historian / Genealogist, & find myself, often...researching for the History of Our People of America, since Most All of My Direct Ancestors, all branches of them, Arrived in America, between 1585 - 1660...except two branches of them, who arrived just in the first part of the early years of 1700's.
The Parker Families of America, have brought forth much Contribution to the Growth & Development, as North America, became populated, during the past 400-Years.
When the Ancestory of the Parker Family, is researched, it is Documented, that Many of the Parker Men, served in the Forestry Service, in a foreign country, from Whence They Came.
It has been said that some of the Parker Families, were Deer Park Keepers in England.
I am Descended from a Peter Parker.
Our family has an extensive research on the Parker Families, of America, the ones who lived in the 1600's / 1700's...& we are still researching, to update the family files.
The Most Famous of All Parker Men, perhaps is...The Life of " Hanging Judge Isaac Parker " who made much History to be Recorded in America, as he held the position of Judge, during the years of (Oklahoma) Indian Territory, after 1840.
I am proud to see this Precious Lady, to have lived such a good many years, as to Influence so Many People, who are & have been the Future Generation, from her.
To her family, I say: May the Lord, bring you Peace & Contentment, as you realize that You Have Been So Blessed, to have been a part of this Fine Lady's Life. May you treasure all the Memories, which can serve you, in a Blessed Way, to bring warmth to you, as you become older, & need those memories, in your life, at that time, just as this lady, held memories of you all, next to her heart...to sustain her life, for so long that she lived.
Should anyone wish to learn more about the Parker Families, or wish to exchange information, then you may do so.
Hazel Davis, Historian / Genealogist
[email protected]
Rev. Valentine Vit
November 28, 2008
Psalms 91:14-16 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (KJV)
bessie korth
November 28, 2008
Mrs. Parker was blessed. I bet she shared many stories of her life through the years. May your memories of her give you comfort in the days/years ahead. With deepest sympathy
linda
November 28, 2008
Gee, To be a Widow since 1939 is so sad. To outlive your children is so hurtful. I hope she is with Mr. Parker & her sons. Rest in Peace...
Mrs. Thomas Smith
November 28, 2008
Edna Parker family,
My sincere sympathy on the death of your loved one. She was the oldest living person in the world according to records. What a wonderful personality and outlook on life. God created humans to live forever. His words at Revelation 21:5 and John 5:28, 29 will become a reality in the near future.
Thomas Widgeon
November 28, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
November 28, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Edna Parker. RIP dear one.
maggie Garza
November 27, 2008
What a blessing for her to have lived a full life , with the aboundance of family and friends ! May she rest in peace , and find her family in friends in heaven where we all know she earned her wings even before she went to the Lord . To the family may you find comfort knowing she is with God .
K Beck
November 27, 2008
I remember Sandy Allen and what a great lady she was...I am sure she and your grandmother are celebrating in heaven! What an awesome legacy to leave to all...the gift of many years on this earth and many wonderful memories of Edna Parker for her family!! God Bless!!!
Nancy
November 27, 2008
What a great soul she was, and seen many things in Her years . I would of loved to talked to her.
Rest In Peace now your job is finished and have lived a full life.
scott spahr
November 27, 2008
God bless you Ms. Edna, now you and Sandy (Allen) can be together in Heaven. You and Sandy will always be our home-town hero's.
Gennairey Covington
November 27, 2008
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
D. ZIMMERMAN
November 27, 2008
YOU HAVE HAD A LONG LIFE,NOW YOU CAN REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD AND THE ANGELS
Elaine
November 27, 2008
I don't know this wonderful lady but i felt compelled to write and express my sympathy.How wonderful to all in here family to have this beautiful woman live to 115 years old. Although her job is done here on earth she is now watching over all and making heaven just as special because she is there.My sympathy to all the family and all that Ms Parker has touched in her life. Elaine
Mardene
November 27, 2008
This is Awesome! I pray my mom who is 90 lives that long God Willing...Bless her heart!
Vicki Hicks
November 27, 2008
Mrs. Parker was obviously a blessed woman, living past the age the Lord promised. May God continue to bless the Family of Mrs. Parker.
Your Neighbor
November 27, 2008
The holy bible says that Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness. How precious to be exposed to this crown for so many years. No doubt the experiences that she shared with you will last a lifetime, and she will certainly be missed by all who came in contact with her.
May your faith in God help you to cope with this difficult time for He promises to comfort us during our times of distress.
Take Care,
Janice Tabor
November 27, 2008
YOU ARE A VERY BLESSED PERSON NOW YOU ARE WITH JESUS AND HIS ANGELS.AND NOW MAY YOU REST IN FOREVER PEACE.
PATRICIA SMITH
November 27, 2008
Our Bible tells us to honor our father and mother that our days on earth might long...what a blessing to be able to live and see all the changes in the world whether they are good or bad. But just see and be part of it...awesome. May God give you peace.
Cheryl
November 27, 2008
God Bless the Parker family.
MILDRED WHITESCARVER
November 27, 2008
MAY GOD BLESS THIS BELOVED LADY,REST IN PEACE NOW FOR YOUR TIME HERE IS DONE AND YOU ARE NOW WALKING WITH THE ANGELS
S. Deloatch
November 27, 2008
What a blessing.
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