Jennie Lee Parker

Jennie Lee Parker (Aunt Jennie) was 75yrs old and born on March 19, 1947, to Bessie Mae Cunningham-Ray. She had two sisters, Minnie B. Carroll- Hadley and Barbara (Denise) Buckner-Wallace, who all preceded her death.

Jennie was born with a developmental disability. Her sister (Minnie) took care of her in childhood to adulthood. She taught her life skills so that she could function as normal as possible throughout her life.  Jennie went on to participate in the Special Olympics in Indianapolis, worked at Goodwill Industries for a couple of years, and she was also employed by Marshalls Department Stores for 15 plus years until she fell ill in April of 2020.

Jennie was a long-time resident of Castle Manor. She enjoyed church and taking care of her housemates, helping in the kitchen. She also loved colorful flowers, taking pictures and being outdoors. When Jennie was not outdoors, she loved watching movies, coloring, knitting, and making items from the latch hook kits and visiting family.

Jennie was a quiet person, she never made a fuss or complained about anything. She would always tell you “I’m alright” all the way up to her last breath on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.  She knew days before her passing that she would be with our Lord and Savior in Heaven and her sisters and mother.  She would answer many questions in the midnight hours saying “Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes” when asked if she was talking to the Angels, she shook her head yes, we knew she was answering for her time on earth. She waited patiently raising up every so often looking out the window for her turn to be called to Heaven.  Aunt Jennie passed peaceful and joyfully on her own terms with no machines and making sure her nephew (Robert) was standing guard as she left this earth.

Aunt Jennie shined her light on so many without saying a word. She persevered through so many challenges as a child and adulthood that she was unphased when another challenge came along. She knew her God placed her here on earth to make a difference. She showed so many people that regardless of your challenges in life, when you are happy and love yourself, the love for others will shine through and you can overcome anything with love, kindness, mercy, and grace. She knew you can be in this world but set apart from the world and live in harmony, show kindness and love with an unspoken word. Aunt Jennie did not have a “disability” she had an “ability” to show us what pure love and kindness is without it being tainted by the things in the world.

Thank you, Aunt Jennie you took care of me, when I was taking care of you, and I hope I made you and mama proud.

Jennie leaves behind her Brother: Wayne (Shannon) Smith, her Nieces: Donna (Paul) Nelson, Latasha Buckner, Stephanie Bucker, Nephews: Robert (Lashanda) Carroll, David (Paula) Carroll, and Brent Wherry, Cousin: Guy (Shirley) West and a host of great-great & great nieces and great-great & great nephews and friends.

Jennie will be laid to rest with her family in Washington Park North Cemetery on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10:30am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Easter Seals which is an organization offering support and assistance for those with a disability; or to Goodwill Industries.

Appreciation: The Family of Jennie Parker wishes to acknowledge and thank; Pastor Oliver DeWayne (Helen) Walker, Dr. Allon Friedman & (Erin), The Nursing Staff and the Hospitalist on 4B, A3 North and Hospice and ER team at Methodist Hospital, Castle Manor, Allison Point Healthcare Center, Beautician Jazimen Morgan, The Tuesday Morning Prayer (Somebody Prayed for me) group, The Central Imp Team, Ianacare (Bahamia), and many friends/relatives and Washington Park Cemetery/Flanner Buchanan for all of your assistance and words of comfort and prayers.

Special thanks from niece, Donna: to my husband Paul for always being by my side and supporting me unconditionally. Aunt Jennie loved you and knew you would always take care of her. She especially loved how you always pampered her making sure her room was filled with her favorite things, getting her favorite chair ready, cooking her favorite foods, and having sweet treats ready. You always made sure to put her first.  Thank you, Husband, for loving Aunt Jennie unconditionally.