Helen Leigon Parker

Helen was born 09/06/1926, in the city of Morgan, Texas. Helen’s family was large, consisting of six brothers and sisters. Helen was fortunate to have a loving family, but her childhood was difficult. Early hours and long days were the norm, but they were a necessity for the family to survive. To help put food on the table and keep a roof over their head, Helen and her family picked cotton in the unforgiving Texas heat. Sharp cotton husks would cut her fingers. The blazing hot Texas dirt would blister her feet. And she would struggle to drag a bag of cotton that outweighed her. But never did she let adversity defeat her. The spirit to always move forward and to never relent defined Helen.

At the age of 17, Helen traveled to Jacksonville Florida where she enrolled in the St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. On 09/04/1946, Helen graduated and she began her career as an Registered Nurse. Helen’s nursing career spanned several decades, took place in three states (Florida, California, and Texas) and, positively impacted countless lives.

Helen had a tremendous appetite for education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from The Florida State University and her Master’s Degree and PhD from Cornell University. Throughout her nursing career Helen regularly took part in relevant education and training to stay current with the growing trends and changes in nursing.

On, 05/13/1968, Helen married Raymond Louis Parker and, the two remained by each other’s side until Raymond was called home on 4/22/2012. When Raymond passed, part of Helen went with him.

Helen is preceded in death by her mother, father, 7 siblings and her husband, Raymond L. Parker.

Left behind is one son, Scott (Jennifer), two grandsons, Sterling and Hobie, and enough family and friends to fill this newspaper. Please know that she loves and cares about each and every one of us.

To say that Helen will be missed is a gross understatement.

Mom, you will never again have to pick cotton, you will never again suffer the loss of a loved one, you will never again be stricken with disease, and you will never ever be alone.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an organization fighting cancer, or St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, August 5th 2012, at 11:00am, at St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church. Followed by interment in the Memorial Garden. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach 904-249-2374 Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com