Conrad Delante Parker

Reverend Conrad Delante Parker 77, of Waldorf, MD, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Reverend Parker was born on February 14, 1948, in Washington, DC to Herbert Samuel and Janette Mary Parker. He graduated from Spingarn High School, Washington, DC, in 1966 and later earned degrees from Morristown College, Morristown, TN (AA degree) 1968, Howard University, Washington, DC (BA degree) 1970, and Howard University School of Divinity (MDiv, degree) 1983. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 4th Civil Affairs Group, and was Honorably discharged in 1970. He was a Pastor in the United Methodist Church for 30 years, and retired in 2011, due to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Reverend Parker was a loving husband to Rev. Dr. Diana L. Parker for 42 years. He was a devoted father to Tiffany D. Adams, and a proud grandfather to Michael Adams, Jr. (Loren), whom he loved and adored. Other surviving family members include sisters, Kappy Brooks Gordon, Cassandra D. Harrison, and Tanya Glenn; brothers Mark L. Harrison (Janet), Xavier Parker and Ronald Harrison (Jeanette). He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert S. Parker, mother, Janette M. Harrison, and step-father Leon M. Harrison. He leaves to cherish his memory, sister-in-law, Barbara A. Hayman, nieces, and nephews, including Richard A. Hayman II (Ashley), Ronald A. Hayman, Lea Thomas (Patrick), Xavier Parker Jr., Zachary Parker, Melissa Walls Tapscott (Alvin), Anita Walls, Ronnette Harrison-Rollins (Shawn), and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews. His pastoral record included Emory UMC, Washington, D.C. (1981-1983); Christ UMC, Aquasco, MD (1983-1986); Ebenezer UMC, Lanham, MD (1986-1990); Northwood-Appold UMC, Baltimore, MD (1990-1996); and Grace UMC (Fort Washington, MD (1996-2011). Every church he pastored experienced spiritual growth, financial stewardship, and increased membership. He enjoyed reading the Bible, photography, chess, traveling and spending time with his five-year-old French Bulldog, Coco Cherie Parker. Reverend Parker was an anointed preacher-teacher of the Bible and Bible study leader. He was able to teach the Word in a way that everyone could understand. Many souls were saved, and lives were transformed. He mentored and imparted spiritual wisdom to persons who accepted the call to ministry and sought ordination in the United Methodist Church. He encouraged everyone to operate in their Spirit-given gifts. He was a praying man, who was gentle, patient, and flexible. His kindness, generosity, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. He especially loved conducting pre-marital counseling with his wife. As they imparted Godly wisdom during the sessions, it was as if they were renewing their vows each time. Reverend Parker met the love of his life, Rev. Dr. Diana L. Parker, in the lobby of the Howard University Divinity School, in 1982. They were married seven months later. Everyone thought it was too soon, but God knew best. Reverend Parker was an excellent cook, and enjoyed hosting holiday dinners. He loved traveling, and took joy in seeing the artifacts in his home, that were purchased in Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Punta Cana, and Cancun. Although we will miss him, we rejoice that he is in his final resting place, in the presence. Viewing will be, 9:00 am until time of Service,11:00 am, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744. Interment, Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:30 am, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, www.hospicechesapeake.org