Cornealia DeBerry Parker

1913 - 2009

BORN

1913

DIED

2009

Cornealia Parker Obituary

Mrs. Cornelia DeBerry Parker, of Salem, Va., slipped away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2009. She was born on February 11, 1913, in Giatto, W.Va., to the late Dave and Jannie Jones DeBerry. Cornelia was the oldest of seven children. She was married to her husband, Amos Parker, for 68 years until his death. Mrs. Parker was a faithful member of the Big Hill Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many capacities. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Nathaniel and Caleb DeBerry; and sisters, Theresa DeBerry and Gladys McDonald. She is survived by three loving daughters, Bernice Lewis, Wincey Recard and Nora Sample, all of Salem; four grandsons, Billy Sample (Debi) of Washington Township, N.J., Thomas Sample, of Roanoke, Tony Sample (Stephanie), of Henderson, N.C., and Steve Sample, of Salem; two sisters, Odessa Pruitt, of Matewan, W.Va., and Shirley (Robert) Hunter, of Atlanta, Ga.; six great-grandchildren, Nikki (Ryan) Hill, Ian, Ryan, Travis, Stephon and Princess Patterson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009, in the Hamlar-Curtis Chapel with the Rev. Thomas Penn officiating. The interment will be in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Friends may call on Friday afternoon, February 20, 2009, for viewing at HamlarCurtis Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Feb. 18 to Feb. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Cornealia Parker

5 Entries

Jay Ferguson

February 20, 2009

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother and Grandmother. I remember the visits in the summer to your mother's home to pick berries with my Grandparents LS & Fannie Deberry Legrande. She always had a smile and made us feel at home through the years. Boy could she and my grandmother make great pies. Billy, it has been many years since we have spoken. May the Lord help you through this most difficult time. May she rest in peace.

John Priddy

February 20, 2009

Bernice and family,

I am grateful for joy of knowing Cornelia Parker and the privilege of being one of her doctors. What a precious spirit! I will never forget her visits, her incessant & sweet smile, and of course...her strong will.

Ollie (Elsie) Grant-Awolowo

February 19, 2009

Steve and Family,

I’m writing to say hello and to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your grandmother, Mrs. Parker.

Mrs. Parker lived a long life! I remember her quite well. I have fond memories of the store she and Mr. Parker ran in a building down from their house and when it was relocated to their house. As soon as we got as much as a nickel, we would run down to their store to buy cookies and candy. A nickel really went far in those days. Mrs. Parker was always kind and patient. I’ll always remember that ever ready warm smile of hers—seems like that is an inherent Parker/Sample trait. J

I am sending each of you my biggest consoling hug as I share in your sorrow. My wish for everyone is that your pain will be eased over time by the joy you receive from the memories of the special moments you each were able to have with Mrs. Parker throughout the years.

Love and Sympathy,

Theodore A. (Ted) Moore

February 18, 2009

Dear: Bernice, Wincey and Norma and Family:
Giving Honor to God, giving Him all the Praise for giving us Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that we may have a path to His kingdom and have eternal life. The family is saddened to hear the news concerning your mother Cornealia DeBerry Parker and Matriarch to the DeBerry family.

We share some of the pain and grief that confront you today, but only your immediate family understands the pain you endure now and for a lifetime. We know the space your mother shared in your heart and mind will never be fill, but through the sharing of your time with family and friends reminiscing the special moments and interaction you had will soften some of the pain.

Several years back as president of the DeBerry Family Reunion I recall a special moments with your mother sitting in the back seat of a car listening to stories of her dad ( Uncle Dave) as we weather a rain storm in Beckley, West Virginia. Special moments in my life like this I will never forget and I will pass that event off to my child and grandchild and other in the family. I am sure other family members can share equal stories.
As witness by family, friends and others, you will take this moment in your life to God and he will take you through these times. We know God will give you and the family the comfort you require. "Remember God will not give us more than we can bear", If he will take us to it, he will take us through it. God has a purpose for your mother beyond out knowledge and comprehension; she has passed into sleep, a journey for all mankind and a step closer to God.

I send you a passage that give me such strength in my time of need and found in 1st Thessalonians, 4 chapters, vs. 13-18.
13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

May God bless your family to overcome this sorrow and hold you in his arms and comfort your pain. I pray you and the family fined peace and always remember the joy your mother, grandmother and our cousin brought into your life and those around her.

On behalf of the DeBerry Family and friends worldwide, our deepest sympathy goes out to you and the immediate family.

“Your Mothers presents will truly be missed in her community and our hearts, but not forgotten.”

Sincerely,

Cousin Theodore A. (Ted) Moore
& the DeBerry Reunion and Scarbro family