Juanita "Sharon" Parker

Sharon was born March 10, 1934 to Sammy and Ima Hill Guidry, at Goose Creek Hospital in Goose Creek, TX. A few years later she became big sister to brother Boyd, and sister Jennie. Sharon attended several different primary schools in Southeast Texas, as the family moved often related to her father’s work in the oil fields. The family’s final move was to Beaumont, TX. Sharon was a member of the drum and bugle corps at South Park High School. She graduated from school on May 29, 1952, and then went to work at a dental office.

Sharon met Cecil William Parker while in South Park High School. Cecil whistled at her as she walked past him on her way home from school. They began to date, and he gave petite Sharon the loving nickname of “Boney Maroney”. Things changed for a time as Cecil joined the Marines, serving in the Korean War.

Cecil and Sharon married January 20, 1955, in Beaumont, Texas, and made their home there. Soon after, they began to grow their family, welcoming Billie, Sharon, Cecil Jr., and Tammie.

The Parker family moved to Cove, Texas. They bought their first home on Harmon Road, raising the kids in the country and having them attend a great school. After living there 12 years, Cecil and Sharon purchased a house to be moved, locating it on FM 565. Sharon lived in that home for 47 years, up until her recent death.

Not only did her children attend school at Barbers Hill, but Sharon worked for the school district for several years. She drove the school bus and also worked in the school cafeteria. She also worked for many years as secretary for the Justice of the Peace, until retiring.

Sharon was a devoted wife and mother. She excelled as a homemaker, seamstress, gardener, quilter and cook. She kept an immaculate home and had freshly cooked pies waiting for us as we got off the bus from school. We wore meticulous homemade dresses, twirling costumes, and handmade wedding dresses. After a child grew up and married, they were gifted a handmade quilt, as did each forthcoming grandchild. Sharon and Cecil were blessed to have (9) grandchildren and (11) great-grandchildren.

Sharon was an incredible cook. One of her most treasured things to do was host holidays in her home to bring her loved ones together. These fellowships showcased her delectable dishes. She eventually wrote a cookbook to share all of her favorite recipes.

Cecil and Sharon were members of the Gulf Coast Bottle Club. They took up the hobby of collecting very old and unique bottles and shared the excitement of finding the rarest of glass. They collected ink bottles and miniature whiskey bottles dating from the 1800s and early 1900s. They proudly displayed their bottle collections at the Gulf Coast Bottle Club and found enjoyment sharing this hobby for years.

Another hobby Sharon found joy in was antiquing. She had quite the collection over the years and was even featured on the PBS television show, Antiques Road Show, showcasing some of her valuable relics.

Sharon was a respected and valued asset to her community. She notably helped start the Cove Fire Department. As well, she was one of the first women in the State of Texas to earn her EMS certification. The elections always had her volunteering her time at the voting booths in her community, and she was a lifelong member of Cove Church of Christ.

Sharon enjoyed going to the casinos. Cecil became chauffer, driving her to different destinations. Sharon won a big jackpot on the slot machines, gaining her name of “The Casino Queen”. They had such fun on their trips. In 2004, Cecil, the love of her life passed away. This, only a few months from what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Cecil’s absence was felt deeply by her, but Sharon had the support of family and friends to help her heal.

The “Hill Girl” trips came into being. Progeny of the original Hill Girls go on an annual trip, somewhere new and exciting. Sharon looked forward to these yearly excursions, talking and planning for it months before time. Nashville, New Orleans, Cancun, Crystal Beach, Llano and the Hill Country, East Texas and more, tons of pictures and memories have been made.

Sharon’s health had been slowly failing her these last few years. Tammie has lived with “Mama” many years and been a good, loving daughter and caregiver to her. Ringo has been Sharon’s fifth child, a furry and faithful companion. In July of this year, Sharon had the devastating loss of her daughter and best friend, Sharon Louise Parker. This was heart breaking for her, but in true form, she pressed on. Over the past four months since Sis’s death, Sharon’s ailments continued to worsen, and her frail body finally surrendered. On November 7, 2021, Sharon went to be with the Lord. And as it says in Revelation 21:4 of the Bible, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain”. Today, Sharon is rejoicing with her mother, father, husband, and daughter. Don’t you know there’s quite the reunion in heaven right now?!

Visitation will be from held from 10 - 11 am, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, TX 77521. Funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow at William Icet Cemetery, in Cove, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Parker family.