Harriet Parker

Harriet Frances Sparks Parker, age 95, of Waco, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her residence. Graveside Service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Moore Cemetery near Chalk Bluff, with Rev. Terry McElrath officiating. Harriet will lie-in-state from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are encouraged at all services. Harriet was born August 11, 1925 in West, the daughter of E. M. and Harriet (McMorrough) Sparks. She was a graduate of West High School. Upon graduating from the West school district, she continued her education at the North Texas Teachers College. From there, she taught at the Lorena school district for years where she met Harold D. Parker who was the brother of one of her students. On December 21, 1945 she was united in marriage to Harold in Waco. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2015. Harriet helped create cherished lifelong memories for family and friends with the multi-generational gatherings she hosted at their home in Chalk Bluff. Years later, she and Harold seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through his job at General Tire where, for more than a decade, Harriet and her family lived throughout the country and the world. Joined by her granddaughter Michelle during the summers, they went on countless adventures, had unforgettable experiences and met many interesting people along the way. She was a member of Chalk Bluff Baptist Church. Harriet is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jack Sparks and Yandall Sparks, and two sisters, Elizabeth Weiss and Dorothy Vickers. Survivors include two sons, Gary Parker and wife Betty of Arlington and Brian Parker of Plano; a granddaughter, Michelle Parker of Euless; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elm Mott Volunteer Fire Department or Homestead Heritage.