Phyllis E. Parker

Daughter of the late Gerald and Gladys Ryder, entered in a greater life December 17, 2014. Survived by sons, Charlie E Parker Jr and wife Clarissa, Thomas E Parker and wife Susan, and Timothy G. Parker. Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her siblings, sisters, Joyce Coffin and Carol Von Kampen, and brothers Robert Ryder and wife Betty and Thomas Ryder and wife Diane, and her loving nieces and nephews.

Born on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, January 11, 1929. She grew up on her beloved island, and graduated from Nantucket High School. She grew up during the Great Depression, but was fortunate to live on a small farm where her parents grew bountiful crops of vegetables and fruits, and in addition raised animals for food, and dairy products. During her high school years, she became a first class Girl Scout, Senior Life Saver, and a Junior Air Raid Warden during WW2. She attended St. Paul’s Church, taught church school and sang in the choir. She served as a leader in raising money for the class of 1946 to go to Washington DC, the first class to go after WW2. She met her future husband Charlie Parker during these years and they became engaged, married and moved to Texas where they made their home. She returned every year to visit her beloved family and island. After their three children were old enough, Charlie helped her to accomplish her dream. She attended the University of Houston and San Jacinto College in order to become a registered nurse. She worked at St. Luke’s and Texas Childrens for a number of years, transferring to North Shore Hospital where she served as a recovery room nurse, operating room nurse, and later as the operating room supervisor. After she retired, she was able to assist Charlie in his ministries as a Lay Eucharistic Minister attending to the home bound, transporting them to seek medical care and offering short services and communion. She was able to resume her choir duties, a love in her life. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents; husband Charlie, and, brother Maxie. Special thanks to Darrell and Wendy Walsh, Barry and Mary Hammond and Mike Van de Griff who so freely offered their continuous help. Also special thanks to the staff at Elmcroft at Rivershire and Heart to Heart Hospice for all their care and support. Visitation for Phyllis will be held on Friday December 19, 2014 from 5 to 7 pm at Metcalf Funeral Directors in Conroe. Services will be on Saturday at 3 pm at St Timothy’s Episcopal Church in North Shore with interment to follow in San Jacinto Memorial Cemetery.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to St Timothy memorial fund 13125 Indianapolis St Houston, Texas 77015.