As a missionary in Bolivia and an administrator in home missions as well as a pastor’s wife at churches in Colorado, Missouri and Florida, Joann dedicated her life to serving others and the God she cherished.
Constantly sweet, kind and gracious, Joann took great pains not to offend anyone even if it meant she herself had to be uncomfortable. But underneath that kind exterior was a steely resolve to protect her family and do right by the God she served for 78 of her 86 years on earth.
Married to Rev. Lyle G. Parker for 57 years, Joann was the quintessential pastor’s wife. She nurtured, mentored and encouraged members of whatever congregation or group to which she and Lyle were assigned. And throughout her life, even in what was supposed to be retirement, she carried on a ministry in prayer for friends, family and members of congregations where she and Lyle had served.
Typical of her long-term impact is the way the leaders of the Haitian First Church of the Nazarene she and Lyle helped establish 26 years ago in Bradenton, Florida, continued calling her "Mother Joann’’ as they held prayer vigils for her. Meanwhile, she continued praying for their families by name even as she struggled with her own health issues. Joann also worked with Lyle to establish a Hispanic church in Bradenton that has flourished in the last 25 years.
Born in rural southwest Missouri as the eldest of four children of Homer and Jessie Hood, Joann grew up in a Christian home and excelled as a student. She graduated from Kansas City College and Bible School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree validated at Pittsburg State College.
She and Lyle met at KCCBS and were married in 1965. They were called to the mission field and the Church of God (Holiness) Mission Board sent them to Bolivia, in 1967. They spent 17 years ministering in Bolivia where their son Stephen was born. Their younger son, Daniel, was born in Springfield, Missouri, while Lyle and Joann were on furlough, but both boys spent their teenage years in Bolivia.
After returning from mission work in Bolivia, the Parkers worked in administrative positions for home missions for six and a half years before taking a pastorate at the Bradenton Bayshore Church of the Nazarene in Florida. They pastored in Florida for 15 years before returning to Kansas City to retire.
Joann and Lyle’s son Stephen preceded her in death in 2016.
Joann is survived by husband, Lyle G. Parker, Kansas City, Kansas; son, Daniel Parker, Lake Quivira, Kansas; brother, Tony Hood (Jane), Evansville, Indiana; brother Don Hood (Sue), Purdy, Missouri; sister Carol Hood Smith (Bill), Carthage, Missouri; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by thousands of congregants who have known her love and caring down through the decades.
A Visitation for Beverly will be held Wednesday, August 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m. at College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 East Sheridan Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062. A Committal Service will take place at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25 at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Parker family.
