Doris S. Parker

August 24, 1930 â€" April 2, 2015

Doris S. Parker was the first child born to Percy and Earliemae Watson in Marvel, AK on August 24, 1930.

Doris graduated from Crispus Attucks High school in 1949 and pursued her higher education at Indiana Central University. She frequently enlightened herself through continuing educational opportunities and programs that appealed to her varied interests.

Doris’ years in the employment field initiated at the Finance Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison where she later transferred to the department of Veteran’s Affairs. From there she became a Regional Coordinator at Ivy Technical College. She then moved on to become Executive Director of the Young Women’s Christian Association. Then she was afforded the opportunity to develop and become CEO of the AKA Educational Advancement Foundation, where she worked until her first retirement. After which she was employed at the Marion County Health Department before retiring permanently.

Doris spent most of her adult like in service to others in many capacities: tutoring youths and adults in reading and math; co-leadership of Girl Scouts at Holy Angels; chaperoning of youth activities and serving on many Boards and Councils in her churches. She had an appetite for multiple humanitarian causes (Catholic Charities, Social Justice Commission and Campaign for Human Development just to name a few). Her service included Present of the Board of C.A.A.P., Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts, Urban League and she served for many years with the Archdiocesan Black Catholics Concerned all of which have earned her numerous awards and recognitions for the sharing of her gifts, talents and time. She was also invested in the politics of her residential communities as well as the world. She was a poll worker for many years and helped develop organizations in support of human rights and social activities.

Doris was an active and loyal Soror to Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Drifters, whose faithful sisterhood gave her years of opportunities in travel, joy and pleasure.

Doris walked on to glory, peacefully in her sleep, on April 2, 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Gwendolyn (Raymond) Twyman, Arbrellia (Charles) Williams; one brother, Herschel (Rosie) Sims; youngest daughter, Terri L. Parker; and two nephews, Leonard Thomas Clark, Jr. and Kyle Anthony Williams.

She is survived by her two sisters, Venniessee Harris and Amanda Strong; one daughter, Karan Parker Stewart; her only grandson, Michael Reese Stewart, Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she has truly loved, was proud of and enjoyed.