Frances Parker

Frances Parker NORFOLK - Frances Parker left her earthly home to join her beloved family in their haven of eternal rest Nov. 7, 2009. A native of the Glenrock section of Norfolk County, Frances O'Neal grew up on a farm on the shores of the Currituck Sound in Aydlette, N.C. She was predeceased by her parents, Bertha Philbrick O'Neal from Old Town, Maine; her father, Claude O'Neal, a farmer and expert ship's carpenter; and her brother, Meril, a victim of the 1918 flu epidemic. The keeper of her memory is her devoted daughter, Pat. Frances married the love of her life, Wilbur Parker at the end of World War II. They had just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary when he died of coronary complications. Wilbur was the salesman for Lance Incorporated at the time of his death. Mrs. Parker's mother taught her the craft of sewing and tailoring, a lifelong passion that enabled her to acquire her position teaching sewing for Singer when she first came to Norfolk. She spoke with pride of her tenure as supervisor for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company during the war, the era of switch boards and head sets. Before the evolution of neighborhood civic leagues, Mrs. Parker was a perennial member "League of Granby Elementary Room Mothers." During her tenure as president of the Wards Corner Garden Club, she oversaw the installation of the Academy Terrace wrought iron and wood sign, one of the last to be replaced by the City of Norfolk. Her early commitment to community was evidenced by her dedication as the "flower girl" for Twiford's Funeral Home, as she penned the roster of memorial flowers for bereaved families. The last two years of Mrs. Parker's life was facilitated by her honorary family, Queenie Lawrence, Leona Henderson and Isabel Smith of Seniorcorp. The private memorial celebration was led by the Rev. Kathleen Monge at the family gravesite at Riverside Cemetery in the Berkley section of Norfolk with arrangements handled by Twiford's of Great Bridge. In remembrance, please donate to the charity of your choice or an act of kindness for someone in need.