Bishop Viola H. Parker

With hearts filled with love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Bishop Viola H. Parker, who peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, October 3, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

Born on July 6, 1948, in Suffolk, Virginia, Bishop Parker was the beloved daughter of the late William Harrell and Dora Vann Harrell. She was educated in the Suffolk Public School System and pursued higher education at Virginia University of Lynchburg, Virginia Seminary and College, and New Covenant University, where she earned her Doctoral Degree in Christian Education.

On August 3, 1968, in the state of New York, Viola joined hands and hearts in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Phillip Parker. Together, they shared a blessed union of 54 beautiful years. Though they were not able to have children of their own, the Lord expanded their hearts to embrace many spiritual sons and daughters. Among them, Sandra Boswell-Samuels and Pastor Terrell O. Wiggins were privileged to be raised under their loving care. To countless others, she was affectionately known as “Aunt Vi”—a cherished mother, mentor, and friend.

Bishop Parker’s professional life was one of excellence, creativity, and determination. Her career included service on Wall Street, with Willis Radio Broadcasting, and in Funeral Home Executive Services. She was also a proud business owner—founding Viola’s Place, a beloved local store that reflected her elegance and entrepreneurial spirit.

Her ministry journey was even more extraordinary. A faithful servant of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Parker devoted over five decades to advancing the Kingdom of God. She served as Co-Coordinator for the Suffolk District, Instructor for the Suffolk District School of Ministry, former Elect Lady for the 3rd Jurisdiction, and International Evangelist.

For more than 50 years, Bishop Parker was a devoted member of New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministry, Inc. Her commitment to ministry expanded as she became the Coordinator of The United Church of God Fellowship, Inc., and Dean of the W.P. Wiggins Bible Institute. In March 2009, under divine guidance, the late Bishop William P. Wiggins, Sr., D.D. appointed her as Pastor of New Mount Joy and as Overseer of The United Church of God Fellowship, Inc. She was later consecrated as Overseer on March 12, 2011, and officially installed as Presiding Bishop on March 28, 2015. Her twelve years as Pastor were marked by vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving God’s people with grace.

Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Parker was known for her heavenly voice—a gift that could stir souls and usher in the presence of God. She served as choir director of the W.P. Wiggins Gospel Choir and skillfully played the piano for New Mount Joy and many area churches. Her songs of praise will echo in the hearts of those who heard her.

Bishop Parker’s life was a radiant example of faith, strength, and servant leadership. She touched lives across generations, always lifting others through prayer, wisdom, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Harrell and Dora Vann Harrell Wiggins; her beloved husband, Phillip Parker; and her sister, Maebelle Brown.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, Pastor Terrell O. Wiggins (Lady Alicia); her loving daughter, Sandra Boswell-Samuels (Curtis); her special niece, Missionary Dianne Minggia (Pastor Timothy); her special daughter, Shakina Teel; two sisters, Elsie Wiggins and Mary Sessoms; two grandchildren, David Boswell and Averie Wiggins; three sisters-in-law, Deloris Parker, Barbara Ann Parker, and Doris Parker; two brothers-in-law, Bobby Collins (Evelyn) and Raleigh Collins (Lilly); and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and her loving New Mount Joy Church Family.

Though her voice has grown silent, her legacy of faith, service, and love will forever resound in the hearts of those she touched.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:21 ✝️