Sharon Elaine Parker

Born on August 9, 1943, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Sharon was the cherished, only child of Harmon Leake Spencer, LTC (Ret.), and Elaine Elizabeth (Morris) Spencer. From her parents, she inherited a deep commitment to faith, family, service, and perseverance—values that shaped the course of her life and inspired all who knew her.

Sharon dedicated her life to helping others, both professionally and personally. Her career began in education as a preschool teacher at Woodlawn School and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. She later became a Computer Instructor at Saint Elizabeth School, where she helped students and educators embrace emerging technology at a time when computers were becoming an important part of everyday life.

In the second chapter of her career, Sharon found her calling serving faith communities. She worked for many years as Parish Administrator at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church in Kensington, Maryland, and later at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Through her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and caring nature, she supported clergy, parishioners, and ministries with dedication and grace. Colleagues admired her professionalism, while parish members appreciated the warmth and compassion she brought to every interaction.

A lifelong learner, Sharon earned an associate’s degree in Kindergarten Education from Marjorie Webster Junior College and pursued studies in Computer Education and Training at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Her career reflected her belief that education and service could enrich lives and strengthen communities.

As an only child, Sharon shared a particularly close bond with her parents. She often spoke proudly of her family's remarkable history. Her mother, Elaine, was among the first adults to survive a groundbreaking open-heart surgery utilizing hypothermic techniques in 1954, a medical achievement that received national attention. Elaine later devoted more than two decades of volunteer service to Suburban Hospital. Her father, Harmon, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, embodied dedication to duty, family, and country. Their example left a lasting impact on Sharon, whose own life became a testament to service and resilience.

Above all else, Sharon was devoted to her family. She was the beloved mother of Stacey Bostock (Andrew), Stephen Parker (Christine), Kelly Meredith (Wayne), Kevin Parker (Ashley), and Craig Parker (Carol). Sharon shared her five children with her former husband, William F. Parker, Jr., who preceded her in death. Together, they raised a family that became the center of her life and her greatest joy.

Sharon was also deeply committed to supporting children and her community through volunteer service. As a dedicated Girl Scout troop leader, she helped guide and mentor young girls, encouraging confidence, responsibility, and friendship. She was especially known for organizing and managing her local troop's annual Girl Scout Cookie Drive for several years, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and generosity.

Nothing brought Sharon greater pride than her role as grandmother to Nicholas Parker, Kevin Meredith, Zachary Parker, Charles Meredith, Kira Meredith, Georgia Bea Parker, Maxwell Parker, Michael Parker, Joseph Parker, Sean Parker, and Spencer Parker. She treasured family gatherings, celebrated every milestone, and made each child and grandchild feel uniquely loved.

Faith was the cornerstone of Sharon's life. For more than twenty years, she was an active and devoted member of Mother Seton Catholic Church in Germantown, Maryland, where she served as both a choir member and lector. Her faith was not simply something she practiced on Sundays; it was reflected in the kindness, generosity, and encouragement she offered to others every day.

Music was one of Sharon's great joys. She loved to sing and never missed the chance to join in when a Dolly Parton song came on. She also delighted in dancing, friendship, and community as a member of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers. Whether singing, dancing, volunteering with Girl Scouts, or spending time with loved ones, Sharon embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her quick wit, warm smile, sense of humor, and extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome. She had a gift for bringing people together, offering comfort in difficult moments, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. Her compassion, faith, and unwavering love touched countless lives.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Harmon and Elaine Spencer.

Her life was a testament to faith in action. Whether teaching children, supporting church ministries, caring for family, singing in the choir, dancing with friends, or offering a helping hand to someone in need, Sharon led with kindness, grace, and love. Her greatest legacy is found in the lives she touched and the family she cherished.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, parish communities, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her earthly journey has ended, her love, wisdom, laughter, and faith will continue to guide those who carry her memory forward.

A visitation and opportunity to greet the family will be held on Thursday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass at Mother Seton Catholic Church, 19951 Father Hurley Boulevard, Germantown, Maryland 20874. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Following Mass, Martha's Ministry will host refreshments and fellowship for family and friends in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Sharon's memory to JSSA Hospice https://www.jssa.org/donate/ and/or Mother Seton Parish https://mothersetonparish.org/ .

May Sharon rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before her and forever held in the loving embrace of God