Monroe R. PARKER Sr.

PARSONSBURG, MD. - The Rev. Monroe Roosevelt Parker Sr. transitioned from this life into eternal life, at 103 years old, as he answered the Master's call on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010.
He was born Nov. 20, 1906 and reared by his stepfather, Mr. Charlie Johnson and mother, Mrs. Nettie P. Johnson; his father was Mr. David Lewis. Rev. Parker was a God-fearing, family-oriented, leading man. No matter what life brought his way, his constant motto was, "I'm leaving it in the hands of the Lord."
The Rev. Monroe Parker Sr. was a lifelong member of the former Bishop of Memorial United Methodist Church before its doors were closed in the 1990's; he served faithfully as a local preacher. Like many, in earlier years, he walked to church and school when transportation was limited. However, he never walked to preach. More importantly, his walk was his sermon. In his later years, he also attended Macedonia Baptist Church, while sharing the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Pastor John A. and Mary F. Wilson, in Hampton, Va.
After graduating from Salisbury Colored Industrial High School, as the valedictorian of the class of 1924, he attended Hampton Institute (University) with great aspirations. The young man withdrew to assist his mother with the family; for his stepfather was no longer able to support the family sufficiently. His daughter and son-in-law realized the importance of his request for a "drive through tour" of Hampton University whenever leaving the Hampton area in route to his native Maryland. He never forgot to encourage and assist his children in graduating from college, although that part of his dream had eluded him. A most memorable visit to HU, 20-30 years ago, included a reunion with a former classmate, Dr. David Hill, who was then president of the University.
On Oct. 19, 2008, he was acknowledged in a front page story of the Daily Times, featuring the history of the Parsonsburg Fire Company. Somewhere during the time before 9-1-1 (1940s – 1960s), he was a volunteer for the Parsonsburg Fire Company, while on duty all night at Hastings Hatchery. The hatchery was connected to the fire station by an eight party telephone line. When he received the emergency call, he would set the alarm off and the firemen would call him to get the location.
Upon his retirement, he had worked at Hastings Hatchery for 29 years. During his earlier years at Hastings Hatchery, he also served as the cook in the Hastings' residence. Additionally, he was employed by Ralston Purina and Chesapeake Foods for 20 years combined. Since May 2006, the Maryland Centenarian Committee has honored Rev. Parker during its Annual Centenarian Recognition Luncheon held in Baltimore, Md.
His family was always his greatest priority, beginning with his soul mate, Dorothy. They shared a loving relationship, spanning almost 70 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, other immediate survivors include the following children, Rosalie Corbin of Salisbury, Md., Bishop Monroe R. Parker Jr. (Tonia) of Richmond, Va., Earl C. Parker of Salisbury, Md., Agnes P. Fouhey (James) of Salem, Mass., Mary "Fay" Wilson (John) of Hampton, Va., Gene D. Parker (Cora) of Norfolk, Va., and Genesis D. Parker of Annapolis, Md. His memory will also be cherished by his 29 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 18 great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and others.
He was preceded in death by all parents, Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Nettie Johnson, and Mr. David Lewis; all siblings, Floyd Johnson, Dallas Johnson, Roland Johnson, Roscoe Johnson, Ted Johnson, Thoritha Johnson Bell, Lydia Johnson Barham; and a son, Timothy Parker.
Dignitaries that paid homage to the centenarian included former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mr. Lewis R. Riley; Mrs. Mary Belle Hastings Holland attended, she is the daughter of the late Mr. Elmer and Mrs. Agnes Hastings, founders of Hastings Hatchery. Their granddaughters and a son-in-law were in attendance. Also, Mrs. Olive Hastings, widow of Mr. Elmer Hastings, sent expressions of sympathy and condolences.
The celebration of life services were held on Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at 4 p.m., at Stewart's Funeral Home, 821 West Road, Salisbury, MD; and Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at 1 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Salisbury, 528 Booth Street, Salisbury, MD. Interment was conducted at Green Acres Memorial Park. Professional services were provided by Stewart's Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.