Shirley Marie Parker-Hightower

Mother Shirley Marie Parker Hightower was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 23, 1940 to the union of Henry and Linnie Wardlow. Shirley was the second child to this union. Her parents preceded her in death along with her only sister Mrs. Maxine Wardlow Shelton, two grandsons Ricardo E. Parks and Phillip G. Parks, and one granddaughter Natalie Nicole Marie Parks-Jones. She attended RT Coles High School. She was united in marriage to Phillip D. Parks Sr. and to this union three children were born; Sharon K. Amrine, Phillip E. Parks Sr. and Eugenia M. Jones. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age.

On April 9, 1966, she was united in marriage to Deacon Louis B. parker who preceded her in death. She was employed by and retired from Hallmark Cards, Inc. after 33 years of service. She also served on the Hallmark Retirement Committee for several years.

She joined Memorial Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor T.B. Baker. She served in ministry as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Counselor, member of the choir, Deaconess and as an adamant leader and worked in the New Era District. Alongside her husband she enjoyed attending the National Baptist Conventions and the Missouri State Conventions. Mother Parker established a Scholarship Fund “Louis B. Parker Scholarship Fund” in his memory for the love and commitment to education. And as of today, the Scholarships are still being funded.

She later served in ministry under the leadership of Apostle Larry B. Aiken as a member of the Motherboard. Shirley was later united in marriage to Zack Hightower in November 2011 until her passing. Our Mother was a very kind and loving Christian woman. She had a brave spirit and loved life and above all things she loved God unconditionally. Anywhere she went she had a smile on her face and a kind work for anyone she met. She loved spending time and encouraging her family in the ways of the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memories a husband, Zack O. Hightower; two daughters, Sharon K. Amrine (Fredrick), Eugenia M. Jones (Roger); one son, Phillip E. Parks Sr., all of Kansas City; one special sister, Louila Gleason; one special brother, Charles Jones Sr. “Pops”, both of Kansas City; six grandchildren, Corey K. Jones Sr. of Kansas City, LaToya Parks of Lincoln, Nebraska, Phillip E. Parks II of Peoria, Arizona, Se’Miyah Parks, Nehemiah Bostic and Auniyah Bostic, all of Kansas City; 11 great-grandchildren, Ricci Parks, Nicolas Parks-Cruz, Jabrion Lucas, Corey K. Jones Jr., Meya Parks, Chase Jones, Kamiyah Parks, Phillip G. Parks Jr., Theory Parks, Kyle Parks-Jambor Jr., Natalya Mae Marie Jones, two nieces, Deborah Jones and Joy Karen Shelton, both of Missouri, a host of friends and family.

Mother Parker left this world for her heavenly home on July 10, 2017. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 11424 Hickman Mills. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.