Rosalyn Haney Parker

Rosalyn was born in Corsicana, Texas September 12, 1928, the youngest of 5 children — she grew up as Rosie. Her father, John Haney, owned a neighborhood grocery store and her mother, Mary, raised the children. They lived out in the country with few modern conveniences. One of her fondest memories of

living in the country was playing in the Drain’s family pasture just over their fence.

Her mother moved the children to Austin where Rosie attended Pease Elementary School and her two older brothers

attended The University. This is when Rosalyn’s love affair with music took direction; dancing, drum, and baton lessons, all encouraged and sponsored by her mother. Rosie’s particular skill of baton twirling won State Majorette 1940 when she was only 12 years old. This accomplishment was later highlighted as the cover of Young Life Magazine November 1944.

In 1941 both brothers joined the Air Force. This is when Mary and the girls had their own adventure, moving to California. One year later they moved right back to Texas, Dallas this time. Rosie attended North Dallas High School, and was active in Young Life and was a member of the school band.

In 1946 Rosalyn attends The University of Texas and joins The Longhorn Marching Band. By now Rosalyn is a seasoned entertainer, wooing the stadium with her baton skills, even occasionally twirling fire batons at the UT night games. The September 1949 issue of the UT student publication "Texas Ranger" featured Rosie on the cover: “The stunning strutter on our cover this month is Rosalyn Haney, head drum majorette for The Longhorn Band. When Rosalyn isn’t prancing on the gridiron, she busies herself with Texannes, the Goodfellows, Cap and Gown, Radio House, and Radio Guild. Incidentally, she is a senior radio broadcasting major”. One of her fondest memories as majorette was participating in the 1949 Orange Bowl, Texas beating Georgia, 41 to 28.

Howard and Rosalyn met at The University and were married September 1, 1951. After Howard graduated from UT, Rosalyn moved back to Dallas where she worked while he served in the Army.

Rosalyn was active in Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church from the day she and Howard joined in 1955. She enjoyed teaching the youngest in Sunday School as well as participating in the adult activities offered throughout the years. After joining the Assistance League of Dallas, the 501C3 Charity became her focus. She served as the ALD President, 2006-2008. Rosalyn was always ready to volunteer or help whenever, and wherever she could. Rosalyn embraced life finding great joy in her family, friends, community, and the charities to which she was devoted.

Rosalyn is survived by Howard, their two children, William C. Parker of Allen and Susan P. Pollan of Charlotte NC, and

grandson Harrison H. Pollan, also of Charlotte.

Rosalyn was good and kind. She lived the Golden Rule and practiced what we are taught by Micah 6:8. When thinking of

Rosalyn a wonderful line comes to mind from Sandi Banks’ book Anchors of Hope, “We may be the only “Bible” some people will ever read”.

A Memorial service and celebration of Rosalyn’s life is planned at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Preston Rd and Walnut Hill Lane, Thursday, June 5, 2014, 11:00 AM, with a reception immediately following the service.

Please, no flowers — consider Rosalyn’s dedication to ALD, the Children’s Medical Center and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center programs it supports.

For service times, obituary, and condolences visit www.sparkmanrichardson.com