Omega "Gardner" Parker

Parker, Omega "Gardner" ALBANY Omega Alberta Parker from Albany, passed peacefully in her home with her loving family by her side on May 2, 2015, to be with her constant companion who she was always asking, "Have mercy Lord." Omega Alberta Gardner was born to the late Corrine Hawkins and Rev. Elias Gardner on October 23, 1920. Omega lived and attended school in Jacksonville, Fla., until graduating from Stanton High School. Omega attended classes at the Equal Opportunity Center (EOC) in Albany. She was employed in the personnel and insurance department at Winthrop Laboratories in Rensselaer, where she retired in 1985, followed by working as an administrative assistant at Arbor Park Child Care Center until her retirement. Omega was a dedicated musician and played piano and organ at Macedonia Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church and her home church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where she played for the Southernairs and Calvary Gospellettes. She sang in choir, served as church clerk, trustee and president of the Manse committee. She also served as a musician at the James C. Garland Funeral Home. To further her Christian education, she was a member of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and Central Hudson Baptist Convention, in addition to attending workshops at the Hampton Institute. In addition to serving the Lord, spending time with her family, she was a member of several bowling leagues and loved traveling and shopping. She was married to William Parker who predeceased her in July 1998, after 59 years of marriage. She was predeceased by her daughter, Geraldine Parker Stuart, and her brothers, Buster and Walter Gardner. Left to cherish her memories are sons, William (Betty) of Henrietta, Walter, Russell, Wonder; and daughter, Janice M. Parker of Albany; sisters-in-law, Daisy, Zelma and Evelyn. She had grandchildren, Rodney, Nicky, Kimberley, Debra, Desiree, Courtney, Kelly, Cicely and Kevin Parker; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews from Jacksonville. Her compassionate caretakers, Coleen, Geraldine, Doris, Lynn and Melicia Chiquita and a host of others. The home going service will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., with viewing hours from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 58 Alexander St., Albany. Interment in Memory Gardens immediately following.