Obituary of Elva Jean Parker
Age 88, of Mt. Morris, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, at Wellbridge of Grand Blanc. A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at 11:00 am, January 11, 2022, at the Flushing Community Church of the Nazarene, 9500 W. Pierson Rd. Flushing, MI 48433. Elva Jean's family will be present to receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Flushing Community Church of the Nazarene’s music program. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Elva Jean’s tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Elva Jean was born in Birch Run, on January 11, 1933, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman and Elva L. (Harrison) Ward. She met and was married to the love of her life, Daniel Parker, on June 12, 1948. Sadly, he preceded her in death on April 20, 2007. Elva Jean worked at Kresge’s Department Store in the 60s. From there, she sold Sarah Coventry Jewelry, and then in the 80s, she went to work for Valley Area Agency on Aging. Elva Jeans said her favorite place was when she lived at a lumber camp without electricity and no running water with 4 children under the age of 6. She would love to go back to a simpler life. Elva Jean was known for her family get-togethers and making her famous macaroni and cheese and wacky cake. Singing in general was her all-time favorite hobby. She loved to sing anywhere and everywhere but she will be remembered by her “porch singing” with her family. Elva Jean was very active in her church. She was a member of the Flushing Church of the Nazarene. She loved to get in the car and go wherever the road would lead and stay wherever they stopped, which was usually Grayling or close to it. She was involved and loved attending a widow's group called First Tea at Five in Birch Run. Her family was her main focus, and she cherished each and every one of them. She will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Elva Jean’s memory are her children: George and wife, Patricia Parker, Robert and wife, Cindy Parker, Yvonne Higgins, Bruce and wife, Sharon Parker, Douglas Parker, Deborah and husband, Jay Lanphear; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Elva Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Daniel Parker; parents: Herman and Elba Ward; sisters: Thelma and husband, George Koshaba, Louella and husband, Darwin Stafford, Doroetha and husband, Walter Green, Merne Schmitzer, Louise Tanner, Merle Ward, Charles Gilbert and wife, Jewel Ward.