John W. Parker, Sr

John Willie Parker, Sr., affectionately known as “Luboy, Pop-Pop, John Boy, Uncle Boys, Uncle Dad, and Coach Parker”, was born to earth May 3, 1960, to the late Martha Jane Parker and John Willie Hines.  He attended First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, where he set multiple track and field records earning him an athletic scholarship to Norfolk State University.  In 1980, he earned an invitation to the Olympic trails, but an injury prevented him from competing.

John joined the National guard and later enlisted in the United States Army.  After 11 years of service, he received an Honorable Discharge.  He met the love of his life and best friend, Jannette Scott, on active duty in Germany. They were married for almost 30 years and were partners for 38 years.  He is the proud father of five children: Zelanda, Termaine, DeUndre, John Jr., and Corneilus.

John was employed for 32 years at the Virginia Beach School System at Tallwood High School as a security assistant and track coach.  As an avid sports, he loved the New York Knicks and Dallas Cowboys teams.

John’s appearance was stern, but he was a kind and quiet man who would do anything he could to help anyone.

John loved the Lord.  As a young man, he accepted Christ and rededicated his life when we joined his childhood church in Virginia Beach.  When John wasn’t working, he studied the word of God.  He served as a Deacon, bus driver, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, male chorus member, and usher under the leadership of the late Superintendent William H. Perry and current Pastor Lovell ford at the Upper Room Church on the Rock C.O.G.I.C.  His proudest moment was being ordained as a minister.  He said, “All my life, I wanted to preach the Gospel.”  He would tell the congregation, “I don’t perform. I just do what thus says the Lord.”

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Jannette Parker; three children, Zelanda, Termain, and John Jr.; six grandchildren, Zehniah, Yasmeen, Kellease, Tarmeisha, Keston, and Kyren; one great-grandchild, Kehlani; nine siblings, Dolly Warren, Delores Whitehurst, Minnie Bridges, Charles (Angela) Parker, Celestine (Micheal) Rynes, Sharold (Clayton) Lewis, Charlene Parker, Patricia Olds, and Ragan (Laurie) Parker; Sisters-in-laws, Henrietta ( Patrick) Davis, Edna (Bill) Rainer, Louvenia Bell, and Annette Scott; Brother-in-law Christopher (Angela) Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

John rests in Jesus awaiting the glorious day with his parents, children, DeUndre and Corneilus, and siblings Rosetta Albritton, Lillie Mae Jamison, and Sustheaner Cunningham.