Susan Prentiss Parker

Survived by her sister Sally Gutzke (Walter), a cousin Sears Steele, a nephew Patrick Ware (Jordan), a niece Jennifer Erdoes (Kenny), a nephew Jerry Gutzke (Amy) and ten great nieces and nephews. Her father (William Hugh Parker) and mother (Doris Parker) preceded her in death. The family would like to thank the caregivers who have helped care for Susan the past four years. Shirley Parks, Constance Pauldin, LaTedra Bester, Kershtan Hasberry, Leslie Parks, Valerie Cole, Patricia May, Mildred Johnson, Christene Dunstan. Their hard work, compassion and care giving for Susan was magnificent. Susan's life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was stricken by polio at the age of five and spent the rest of her life in a wheelchair. But she persevered and lived a life of courage, faith and grace. She attended Brooke Hill School for Girls and graduated in 1965. She graduated from Birmingham Southern in 1969 and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She earned a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama in 1971. She worked as a counselor for the Occupational Rehabilitation Center from 1971 - 1994. In 1974 she was named Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year by the Alabama Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicap. She was a member of South Highland Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to Jesus Christ defined her life. She was a Lay Director at Walk to Emaeus and a devoted member of Community Bible Study and a member of the Board of Disability Rights and Resources, as well as on the Board of Easter Seals in Birmingham, AL. Funeral services will be Friday, May 6 at 11:00 AM at South Highland Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 at the Church with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.