Ruby Viola Parker

Parker, Ruby Viola, passed away Mon., Sept. 21, 2009. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m., on Mon., Sept. 28,2009, at Jackson Mortuary, located at 1125 E. 13th St, in Wichita, KS. Services will be held on Tues., Sept. 29, 2009, at 11 a.m., at St.Paul A.M.E. Church, located at 1756 N. Piatt in Wichita, KS. Mrs. Parker was born in Langston, OK. She graduated from Langston University High School. She graduated from Langston University and later attended Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, OK, where she earned a Masters Degree in Education. She worked at Langston University as a librarian for two years and one year as a secretary to the State Teacher Training of Trades and Industrial Education. She also taught seven years as an elementary teacher at DePew, OK. She moved to Wichita, in 1957 upon being hired as a USD 259 public school teacher. In 1980, she was granted a leave of absence to teach at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS, where she was Assistant Professor of Education. She returned to Wichita public schools as an elementary school assistant principal and held that position until she retired. During her tenure she studied at Wichita State University where she earned an Administrative Certification in Administration. She also studied at Emporia State Teachers College, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. She completed 35 years of service to the public schools. In 1987, she accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Kansas African-American Museum where she served for 15 years. During her years in Wichita she was active in various academic and professional organizations. She was an active member of the Wichita chapter of Links, Inc., a life member of the NAACP, the Urban League, Jack and Jill Club of America, Book Lovers Club, Church Women United, American Woodman Lodge, and St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Survivors include husband, Walter Parker; sons and daughters-in-law, Hobert and Clarice Jordan and Hubert and Janice Jordan; daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Henry Winesberry; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and many friends. Entrusted to Jackson Mortuary.