Wayman Louis Parker

When he was 4, his mother and Bernard Parker were married, Wayman was adopted and became Wayman Louis Parker. The family expanded and he had 2 sisters, Pamela (deceased) born 1949 and Katrina born 1957. A brother, Keith (deceased) was born in

1951). He subsequently opted to become Muslim and changed his name to Temisan Oraefo. While home life was full of discord, he was able to split his time between his mother's home and his grandmothers. At his mother's home, there were folks who became lifelong friends. They watched one another's backs and pushed and prodded each other.

From the age of 9, he dreamed his destiny was to be a physician. There were many hurdles between dreaming and awakening there. Having no role models to emulate was a mountain which sometimes felt too high to overcome. For some reason God felt fit to flatten that mountain.

In 1966, while going to Wayne State University, he became a part-time student and was drafted into the Vietnam War. Vietnam was a hellhole. He was a combat soldier whose job was to walk point on search and destroy missions with a German Sheperd. After many missions, he was blessed to return home.

Four days after returning home, he was introduced to Emma, the woman who would love, encourage, advise, and eventually marry him in 1969. Wayman often said he was the luckiest man in the world. Emma helped him through the sleepless nights caused by his Vietnam trauma and softened some of the cynicism and mistrust that had developed during his difficult childhood with an unloving mother. To the union came 2 children, Jeffrey in 1971 (deceased) and his heart, Cortney Michelle in 1977. Jeffrey was a gentle and loving soul. Cortney, Dr. Wayman's mini-me, who is loving, caring and married to a wonderful man who can brighten her darkest day.

After graduating from Wayne State University, Wayman was admitted to Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. With Emma by his side, he was able to pursue his Lifelong dream of becoming a physician. He graduated in 1974 and completed his residency in ob-gyn in 1978. Dr. Parker and his family moved to Milwaukee to join the medical practice of Dr. William Finlayson.

In 1987, he was named one of the most interesting in Milwaukee. He was very concerned by the teenage pregnancy problem and spoke often to teenage groups and their parents.

He worked with the Milwaukee Urban League and the Male Responsibility Program. In 1998, he was named one of Milwaukee's People of the Year.

Several important things happened during the tenure. Dr. Parker became president of Crème City Medical Society, a subsidiary of the National Medical Society. This occurred shortly before the US Government declared that patients receiving Medicaid cards had to belong to an HMO. Along with 6 other physicians and a consultant, they formed Primecare of Wisconsin which subsequently became the largest HMO in the state at that time. He received some money from Covenant Hospital Chain (St. Joseph) to start the first Urgent Care Center with Dr. Pruitt in the inner center of Milwaukee. Dr, Parker's passion was caring for the inner city residents of Milwaukee. He was granted some money from Mt. Sinai Hospital to support creating a free clinic. Medical students from the Medical College of Wisconsin volunteered to help provide services.

Wayman was a people person. Emma often did not know who he had invited for dinner. He made the best barbecue and enjoyed baking. He was an ardent gardener. One of his favorite activities was designing stained glass. He loved making stained glass items for friends and relatives.

Wayman was a Christian and a member of Impact United Methodist Church. An avid reader, he donated many of his books to the church to help create a library. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife, Emma S. Parker; daughter, Cortney Washington; son-in-law, Eric Washington; grandchildren, Kyle, Jeffrey, Gabrielle, and Gabriele; great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, extended family, and cherished friends who continue to honor his memory.

Life was good!

In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Parker was cremated. A memorial service to honor his life will be held in the Whitley Garner Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, August at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. If ordering a floral tribute please contact our preferred florist, Frances Florist at (770) 949-8711.

Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Wayman Louis Parker.