Freda Parker

Freda Parker of Kettering, OH, departed earth for heaven on May 7, 2025, at 97 years old. She was born on October 29, 1927 in Laurel County, KY, to the late Caswell Tipton Cox and Margaret Elizabeth (Houston) Cox. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Foley Parker, and a very special granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Mercs.

Freda was the baby of 13 children, all have preceded her in death: 5 half brothers and sisters: Roy, Lillie, Lucy, Ed and Albert. Sisters: Mae, Myrtle, Dorothy and brothers: Charles, William, Franklin and Roscoe.

She is survived by daughters Willa Mercs; Diana (Bill) Hunter; son, Timothy Parker, son-in-law, Johnny Mercs, granddaughter, Michele Mercs; a dear family friend, John Hamler; and many nieces and nephews.

Freda was a devoted wife and mother always at home taking care of her family. She loved her family and sacrificially put their needs above her own. Her favorite thing was to prepare meals for her family, and God blessed her to be able to do that up into her 90’s. She loved giving health and nutritional advice right up to the end.

She was a member of Northridge Freewill Baptist Church for 40 years. She loved attending services and loved her church family like her own. She always grieved not being able to go to church when health issues would no longer permit, and faithfully watched the services online.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 11:00 AM– 12:00 PM with funeral services to follow at 12:00 PM at Northridge Freewill Baptist Church at 4800 Payne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414, with Pastor Tim Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens at 1639 E. Lytle 5 Points Rd, Centerville, OH 45458.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Dayton.