Mary Catherine Parker's Obituary
On April 17, 1947, Mary Catherine was born to union of Tiny Mae Brown (Missionary Tiny M. Nunn) and Perry Joe Spivey, in Coolidge, Texas. She was the second born of five children. In 1956 her mother and children relocated to San Francisco, California, where she went to school, grew up and then married Bruce Reed. To this union was born her only child, Anthony Reed. Her favorite design print was leopard, which undoubtedly symbolized her zeal and passion for life. Mary Catherine was always up to playful antics. She possessed a zesty and vivacious personality, which garnered her many friends.
In 1972 she relocated to Sacramento, California, where she served the County of Sacramento, as an employee within the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office. She became a member of Greater Community COGIC and was involved in an annual church fund raising projects and activities. She was co-innovator/coordinator of the Women’s Vintage Fashion Show and Auction, the Mother’s Day Weekend “Shop Till You Drop” shopping trips, The Greater Community Hat Rally, and the Christmas Tea. In 1981 she married Artemus Parker, who preceded her in death in 2004.
Tragically in 1983 she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Throughout the years Mary fought hard to maintain a normal life, including enduring three successful kidney transplants. The first of which was donated by her youngest brother Pastor Printis Pearson.
During her journey, she lived, laughed, and loved veraciously as she bravely endured years of long-suffering tenaciously. On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, her journey came to its end.
Mary Catherine Parker leaves behind to cherish her sweet memory; one devoted son Anthony Reed; four godchildren Christiana and Zion Cobb, Kaliyah and Idris Gise; five siblings/in-laws Chester Welsh (Roland), Clara Scott, William Pearson(Joanne), Reverend Printis Pearson (Ruby), Padgette Rhodes (Steven), one Aunt Mabel Jones (Uncle Emmitt), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
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