Parker, Berla Lee (Hardison)

Berla Lee Parker and Alberta Dillard

A double tragedy struck an Eagle Lake family Friday, April 6, when Mrs. Berla Lee Hardison Parker, age 86, died on her birthday, and then her daughter, Mrs. Alberta Dillard, 66, died suddenly of a heart attack just a few hours later.

Mrs. Parker was born April 6, 1898, in Colorado County and had been a resident of this area all her life.

She passed away at her residence in Eagle Lake. She was a member of the Greater Rising Star Baptist Church of Eagle Lake and was active in her Sunday School class and the Mission Society. She was a member of Heroine of Jericho Chapter No. 42, Eagle Lake.

She is survived by two sons, Marquyn Parker, Eagle lake, and Lester V. Parker, Houston, 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Halliburton Parker, Sr. Oct. 25, 1979, her son, Halliburton, Jr. on Nov. 22, 1979.

Her daughter, Mrs. Dillard, also of Eagle Lake was fatally stricken. just a few hours later. She suffered a heart attack and was taken to the Eagle Lake Community Hospital by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

She was born April 11, 1917, to Halliburton Parker, Sr. and Berla Lee Hardison Parker, in Colorado County, moving to Houston later where she lived for 45 years.

In Houston she was a member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church, serving on the Usher Board and as a nurse aid for the church before moving back to Eagle Lake in 1976. to take care of her parents.

Mrs. Dillard was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Halliburton, Jr. in 1979.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bobbie Williams; Houston, two brothers, Marquyn Parker, Eagle Lake, and Lester V. Parker, Houston, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held concurrently for Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Dillard on Monday, April 9, from the Greater Rising Star Baptist Church of Eagle Lake. Rev. Ollie Scott officiated. Interment was at the Rising Star Community cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gerald Robinson, Gene Smith, Stanley Joe Smith, Obie Tillman, Thomas Tillman and Woodrow Coleman.

She was a member of the Greater Rising Star Baptist Church of Eagle Lake serving as vice president of the Usher Board and working with the Mission Society.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dulany Funeral Home, Eagle Lake.

Honorary Pallbearers were Creston Cleveland, Willie Parker, James Lee Parker, Clyde Parker, Harvey James and Robert Parker.

Colorado County Citizen, April 19, 1984, page 2

Parker, Bonnie E.

Miss Bonnie Parker

Miss Bonnie Parker, 90, of Eagle Lake died on Wednesday, April 9 at 10:10 a.m. at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital. She was born on August 14, 1895 in Colorado County, a daughter of John Abner and Nancy Ann Tattus Parker. A Colorado County resident all her life, she worked throughout the county as a nurse for home health care. She was a member of the Methodist Church.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Runk, pastor of Eagle Lake United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery.

Survivors include a brother, Johnnie Parker of Corpus Christi, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of loved ones and friends.

Pallbearers were James Brune Jr., J. D. Alley, Billy Stiles, Robert Samuel Martin, Daniel Matura, John Alley, Fred Owens. Honorary pallbearer was Hoy DeShazo.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 17, 1986, page 13

Parker, Cordia

Last Tuesday Cordia Parker, col. wife of Matt. Parker, the drayman, died at their residence in this city of consumption, and was buried at 9 o'clock yesterday morning. [Interred in Columbus City Cemetery.]

Colorado Citizen, July 14, 1898
Contributed by Deborah Smith

Parker, Elizabeth

SUICIDE.--About 9 o’clock last Sunday morning, Mrs. Elizabeth Parker, but lately removed to this place, committed suicide by taking strychnine. She had been separated from her husband for some time, and it is presumed family troubles were the cause of the rash act. Justice Putney held the inquest over the body last Sunday evening, and the jury returned a verdict that she came to her death by poison, administered by her own hand. She leaves a small child too young to realize its loss. [Place of interment unknown]

Colorado Citizen, September 2, 1886

Parker, Foxhall A.

Foxhall Parker, 67, Heart Attack Victim, is Buried

Funeral services were held in Hubbard Funeral home at Weimar May 29, for Foxhall Parker, 67, who suffered a fatal heart attack the preceding Saturday. Rev. F. H. Horak Jr. officiated and burial was in Masonic Cemetery.

Mr. Parker operated a worm hatchery at his home north of Weimar and shipped fishing worms to many Texas towns as well as other states. Prior to that he had been associated with Sears Roebuck & Co. in Houston and the Weimar Sewing Machine Co.

Born Jan. 6, 1900, in Beaumont, he was a son of Foxhall and Dell Gilmore Parker. He married Miss Martha Sulak in 1916 and lived near Weimar since 1919.

Mr. Parker was self-educated and widely read. A World War I veteran, he served with the U. S. Marines in the Dominican Republic.

Besides his wife, he is survived by 3 sons, James Allan, Richard and William, and 3 daughters, Martha, Catherine and Virginia of near Weimar; a son and 3 daughters by a previous marriage, 9 grandchildren and a brother, Gilmore Parker of Houston.

Colorado County Citizen, Thursday, June 8, 1967
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Parker, Georgia (Tate)

Funeral Rites Held Tuesday for Mrs. Parker

Funeral services were held at two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon from Mill Funeral Home for Mrs. Georgia Tate Parker who died at her home at four o’clock Sunday morning after a very short illness. She was stricken with a heart attack about nine o’clock on last Saturday morning.

Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Albert Brown, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating.

Pallbearers were Lester Bunge, E. C. Terrell, Ed. Hanly, S. O. Boothe, James L. Bunge, J. C. Willis, Miles Theuman and Tom Austin.

A choir from the Baptist Church accompanied by Mrs. Clara Mae Nash at the piano sang several favorite hymns during the services at the Funeral Home.

Mrs. Parker was born on January 22, 1871 in Washington Parish, La., the daughter of Margaret Jane and Daniel Tate. She moved to Texas in 1913 and resided in and near Eagle Lake during the remainder of her life.

She was the widow of George Walter Parker whom she married in 1894 in Sunny Hill, La. He was a prominent farmer of this area, and passed away a few years ago.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. O. A. Bunge of Eagle Lake, two sons, Percy Parker of Wood River, Illinois and Daniel Tate Parker of Houston. Two sons, Noel Parker and Sergeant Maurice Parker preceeded [sic] her in death in recent years.

Honorary pallbearers named by the family included Henry Beckman, Ed Hodde, Dr. P. T. Gordon, W. C. Elkins, G. M. Cason, Harold Thomas, Fred Wilms, Jim Clipson, Benton Fussell, J. R. Colly, Griff Thomas, V. T. Matthews, Herbert Matthews and James O. Walker.

The many friends of the Parker family join in expressing regret over the passing of this beloved mother and highly respected citizen of the community where her family has been prominent for many years.

Eagle Light Headlight, January 30, 1948
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Parker, Harrison

Another negro killed in the Eagle Lake bottom. A Post special says:
Eagle Lake, Texas, January 14.--A difficulty occurred last night on Captain Dunovant’s plantation about six miles below town, between two negroes, Steve Kelley and Harrison Parker, in which the latter was shot and almost instantly killed. Kelley was promptly arrested by Constable D. L Sutton and is now held for the examining trial, which will be conducted tomorrow morning by Judge G. S. Ziegler. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, January 20, 1894

Parker, James Allen

James Parker Funeral Held Jan. 10

James Allen Parker of Brenham died suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan. 3.

He was born July 29, 1947, and was the son of Weimar parents Foxhall A. Parker and Martha M. Sulak Parker, both of whom preceded him in death.

Mr. Parker had resided at the Brenham State School for many years and was a quiet, gentle man whose sweet disposition endeared him to both residents and staff of the school.

He is survived by three sisters, Martha Marie Parker of Houston, Catherine L. Parker of Austin and Virginia A. Hallford of Brady and two brothers, Richard H. Parker of Plum and William G. Parker of Bastrop.

Memorial Oaks Chapel of Brenham arranged the morning service held Jan. 10 at the Brenham State School Chapel and the later private interment at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

James' passing is an enormous loss to his many friends at the Brenham State School, and he will be greatly missed by his family who loved him.

Weimar Mercury, January 17, 2008, page 2a

Parker, Johnnie

A young negro of 15 years, named Johnnie Parker, residing on the Brandt place, at Adkins; Lake, northeast of this city, while handling a shotgun on the 9th instant, accidentally discharged the weapon, with the result that he received injuries which caused his death an hour later. A verdict of death by accident was returned by Judge W. A. VanAlstyne, who held the inquest. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury , April 16, 1915, page 5

Parker, Martha Marie (Sulak)

Martha Parker Funeral Services Held Dec. 30.

Weimar lost one of its most loving citizens with the death of Mrs. Martha Marie Parker. The 86-year-old long-time resident died peacefully on Dec 28 at Parkview Manor in Weimar.

A prayer service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at Hubbard Funeral Home.

Her funeral services were held at the funeral home on Thursday, Dec 30 with the Rev. John Bily officiating at both services.

The gospel music sung by Margie Janecka, Charlonia Fitzgerald, La Risa Curry, and Mrs. Parker’s grandson, Charles Michael Hallford served as a moving tribute for such a gracious lady.

Interment at the Masonic Cemetery was followed by a reception at the St. Michael Catholic Family Center.

Mrs. Parker was born in Smithville on Oct. 19, 1916 to Peter and Agnes Sulak.

She was one of seven children; she attended a country school in Kovar before moving to Houston.

In 1945 she married Foxhall Alexander Parker and they moved to Weimar shortly thereafter to start their family.

Mr. Parker died in 1967, and Mrs. Parker remained at their farm in Wildwood until the onset of her illness.

She spent her earlier years on “Parker’s Corner” lovingly tending to her vegetable garden, roses, and farm animals.

She was devoted to her cooking and single-handedly raised six children.

\Mrs. Parker especially enjoyed her family and ‘Sunday’ company for whom she prepared delicious Southern feasts. Mrs. Parker was an extremely pleasant lady who spoke no ill of anyone, and was always kind and gracious to everyone she encountered.

In later years she worked at several local businesses, and especially enjoyed her friendship with “Mrs. Mary” Barta.

Many local folks will recall Mrs. Parker at the Bakery counter, where she was quick to greet you and ask of your families.

Mrs. Parker’s golden years were spent crocheting and playing dominoes.

Her Catholic faith was very important to her and she loved going to church.

“Mrs. Martha”, as she was lovingly called by the Staff at Parkview Manor was a delight to her family and all those who met her marveled at her sweet disposition.

She had a mischievous sense of humor and loved to banter with the Parkview staff.

She will be greatly missed by her family who doted on her and all of her friends at Parkview.

Mrs. Parker is survived by three daughters, Martha Marie Parker of Houston, Catherine L. Parker of Austin, Virginia A. Hallford and husband Charles of Brady; three sons, James A. Parker of Brenham, Richard H. Parker of Plum, and William G. Parker and wife Elly of Bastrop. She is also survived by one sister, Elsie Svoboda and husband Adolph of Smithville; one brother, Joe Sulak of Smithville; four grandsons, Glenn, Charles Michael and Clay Hallford, all of Brady and Reuben Gilmore Parker of Bastrop; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Foxhall, two sisters, Marie Jantz and Ann Trojanowski; two brothers, Ludwig and Jerry Sulak.

Pallbearers were Charles, Charles Michael, and Clay Hallford, David Trojanowski and Steve Carroll.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas, Parkview Manor Nursing Home or St. Michael Catholic Church.

Weimar Mercury, January 6, 2005

Parker, Mary Florence (Alley)

Final Rites Sunday For Mrs. Parker

Funeral services were held from the chapel of Mill-Bauer Funeral Home in Eagle Lake at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23rd for Mrs. Haywood Parker, a lifelong resident of the Ramsey community.

Mrs. Parker passed away at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital last Saturday, Nov. 22nd at 5:00 a.m.

The Rev. Raymond L. Woodruff, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake, officiated at the services. Burial was in the Alley Family Cemetery in the Ramsey community.

Serving as pallbearers were Alvin Perry, J. D. Alley, Shelley Lee Alley, Jr., Zeno Robertson, Herbert Glueck, and Clyde Brewer.

Mrs. Parker, nee Florence Alley, was born January 30, 1881 in the Ramsey community the daughter of John Ross and Mary Eliza Alley. She and Haywood Parker were united in marriage in Eagle Lake April 3, 1920.

She was baptized into membership of the First Baptist Church on July 24, 1960.

Surviving are her husband; one sister Mrs. Thelma Perry of Houston; two brothers, Alvin Alley of Eagle Lake and Raymond Alley of Houston; and other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Parker was loved by all who came to know her for her kindnesses and consideration toward others. She shall be missed deeply by her loved ones and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, 27 Nov 1969, page 10
Contributed by Matt Cross

Parker, Matthew

Aged Negro Meets Death

Mat Parker, an aged and respected negro of this community, was burned to death Xmas morning when his bed caught fire from a pipe he was smoking. [Interment in Columbus City Cemetery.]

He was for many years a drayman in this city and was well known as a reliable and trustworthy negro.

Colorado Citizen, December 31, 1925

Parker, Maurice Walter

Another of War Dead To Arrive Monday

The Headlight was informed on Friday morning that the body of Maurice Parker, who lost his life in a naval accident early in the war years, will arrive in Eagle Lake on the 6:38 Southern Pacific train on Monday evening.

Funeral arrangements were not ready at press time on Friday. The W. Cherry-M. Perry Post 108 of the American Legion will provide a military funeral for the former sailor.

A complete obituary will be carried in next week's issue of the Headlight.

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 5, 1947

[Due to the condition of the paper microfilmed only the following portion of the obituary could be reproduced.]

...was born November 13,1903 in Sunny Hill, __iana and came to Eagle Lake with his family thirty-seven years ago to make his home. He was graduated from Eagle Lake High School with the class of 1923. On February 1930 he married Miss Frances Cabiness of Eagle Lake.

Before entering the army early in the war years, Sergeant Parker worked for over twelve years for the Humble Oil & Refining Company at Houston. He volunteered when the army sought recruits for a Petroleum Distributing Engineers division, and was heading for duty in North Africa when the sea accident occurred. 5,600 men aboard a U. S. Transport in a convoy of American ships was plying the waters of the Atlantic some 900 miles from Bermuda when late at night an United States Naval tanker accidently rammed the ship killing thirteen of the crew, and tearing a ___ hole in the vessel.

Sergeant Parker was buried with full military honors at Bermuda when the ship dropped from the convoy and return to that ____. The Government notified his mother and wife that the cemetery was being abandoned and the family elected to have the body brought home rather than removing it to another military cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Frances Cabiness Parker of Houston, his mother, Mrs. G. W. Parker, one sister, Mrs. Oscar Bunge of Eagle Lake, and to[sic] brothers, Percy Parker of Wood River, Illinois and Tate Parker of Houston. His father, G. W. Parker and brother, Noel Parker proceeded him in death.

The American Legion Post formed an escort to meet the body which arrived in Eagle Lake over the Southern Pacific Lines at 6:38 Monday evening, accompanied by Master Sergeant Lipscomb of the United States Army. [Interment in Eagle Lake Masonic Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 12, 1947

See Remembering Maurice Walter Parker

Parker, Susanne (Spears)

Parker

Susanne Parker, formerly of Columbus, passed away on Sept. 8 at West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, La.

She was born to Pat Parker and Lavada Capps on Sept. 11, 1958 in Tahlequah, Okla.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; mother, brother, Randy Spears; and niece, Michelle Spears.

Parker is survived by her husband Pat Parker of Montegut, La; father; daughters Cassie Parker of Montegut, La. and Megan Parker of Victoria; step-daughter Shawn Parker of George West; sister Donna Johnson of Holdenville, Okla. brothers: Kerry Spears of Tahlequah, Okla and Robert Spears of San Antonio; granddaughter: Kaitlyn Parker and step-grandsons: Tyler, T.J. and Levi LeBlanc.

Funeral services took place on Thursday, Sept. 13 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus with the Rev. Lynn Wilson officiating.

Pallbearers were Robert Spears, Scott Reeves, John Johnson, Greg Reeves, Kim Thrower and Jim Reeves.

Colorado County Citizen, September 19, 2007
Courtesy The Citizen

Parker, Unknown

WEIMAR LOCAL MATTERS

A little negro child about four years old was burned to a crisp in one of the tenant houses of J. A. Darby’s plantation, situated a few miles south of this place, last week., about 8 o’clock in the evening. The mother left for church and the father, Amos Parker, a freedman, had gone to one of the neighbors for some purpose just out of sight of the fated building, leaving three little children, aged six, four and a babe. By some means the house caught on fire, and by the time the oldest discovered the danger she picked up the babe and tried to wake up the four year old that was asleep, but could not rouse him. She ran out with the babe. By this time the flames had such headway that she and the little one were considerably burned. She began to cry for help which brought Mr. Higgins, one of he neighbors, but when he arrived the building was nearly destroyed, with the child in the burning mess. When its body was pulled from the heap of coals ‘twas a hideous sight to behold. [Place of interment unknown]

Colorado Citizen, April 14, 1887

Parker, William Charles

William C. Parker

Funeral services for Wiliam Charles Parker were held May 31 at First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, under the direction of Ben Davis Funeral Home. Interment was at City Cemetery.

Rev. Robert Bedford, pastor of the First Nazarene Church, officiated at the services.

Mr. Parker was born in Columbus Feb. 4, 1904, the son of Harvey and Eliza T. Parker. He attended elementary school and high school in Columbus.

As a young adult, he resided in Galveston and Beaumont where he was employed by Sother Pacific Transportation Co.

On Oct 5, 19?? he was united in marriage with Susie Mae Vinson of Columbus.

He was a member of the A.M.E. Church for some time. He recently united with the First Church of the Nazarene, Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Susie Mae Parker of Columbus; two daughters, Mrs. Julia Mae Brown Hendry of Tampa, Fla. And Mrs. Dorothy J. Chopfield of Richmond, VA; two sons, Paul Henry and William Charles Parker Jr., both of Omaha, Neb.; one niece, Marl Eliza Mae Denley George of San Francisco, Calif; 16 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were relative and friends.

Colorado County Citizen, June 5, 1980 page 2
Transcribed by Laurie Albrecht

Parker, William Christopher

Services Held For Willie Parker, 68

Funeral services were conducted yesterday, Wednesday, at 2:00 at Mill-Bauer Funeral Home for William C. Parker, 68, resident in this community since 1904. Mr. Parker, confined to his home for many, many years, died in his sleep Monday night.

The Rev. D. Rhea Allison of the Colly Memorial Methodist Church officiated at services. Mr. Allison and Mr. Joe Vestal accompanied by Mrs. H. J. Cosgrove, rendered favorite hymns.

William Christopher Parker was born November 16, 1886 in Washington county near Brenham and moved here with the family in 1904.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. J. D. Alley, and Bonnie and Martha Parker, all of this community; three brothers, Haywood and Herbert of this area and John of Corpus Christi. [Interment in Lakeside Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 13, 1955
Transcribed by Judy Talkington