Ms. Letitia M. Parker

Letitia Marie Parker, born Letitia Marie Williams to Jesse Alonzo Williams and Margaret Elizabeth (Burt) Williams on August 16, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the age of 78. She was preceded in death by her parents, a baby brother, Samuel; a son-in-law, James Beard; a niece, PreKenna Hunt; and two nephews, Charles Anthony Parker; and Bruce Dewitt Gordon. Letitia grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and attended Douglas Elementary and Roosevelt Junior High School. She graduated from Manuel High School in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Illinois in 1970. After teaching K-12 for many years, she pursued a Master’s in Reading Therapy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1984. After retiring from the Kansas City Public School District, Letitia turned her focus to entrepreneurship. She founded a self-publishing business and became the owner of a vending machine service with up to 10 locations. Always eager to help others, she was an instrumental member of the American Black Women’s Association, encouraging and supporting others in their professional and entrepreneurial endeavors. Letitia married Colee Parker on August 12, 1972, and together they had two daughters. She was a devoted Christian, having accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior under Elder Felton Beck in Peoria, and later deepened her faith at Christian Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Missouri. Letitia was an active member of Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served in various capacities, including Sunday School Teacher and Door Greeter, for over 40 years. She was also known for her daily prayer partnership with Mother Evelyn Fuller and her dedication to studying the word of God. Letitia is survived by her loving husband, Colee; daughters, Janine Renee Villines (Martin); and Chantele Nicole Parker; grandchildren, James JaVaughn Beard; Jairius Dion Beard (Jessica); and Zoe Simone Bussey; great-grandchildren, Gabriella; and Jamie; sisters, Deborah Jean Denman (Larry); and Marjorie Kay Douglas (Melvin); aunt, Beatrice Parker; sister-in-, Peggy Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ 2025 North 12th Street KCKS 66104. Visitation 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 at the Church. Interment: Floral Hills Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Ms. Letitia M. Parker

August 16, 1946 - December 19, 2024