Evelyn Ward Parker, a life-long resident of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away Saturday at DiversiCare of Big Springs. Born in Huntsville, Evelyn attended Meridianville School and Huntsville High School, and continued her education with North Alabama College of Commerce.
Evelyn retired from two jobs; Montgomery Ward’s Department Store and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at Redstone Arsenal, where she handled payroll for civilians and service members alike, before it was done by computers.
She was active in the Epworth Methodist Church all of her life, from when it was on Andrew Jackson Way, to its present address on Epworth Drive. Evelyn helped with raising money for countless humanitarian and charitable events during her life.
Evelyn was initiated into Helion Chapter 203 of the Order of the Eastern Star, in Huntsville May 8, 1953, and served for more than 60 years. She held office as Worthy Matron in 1987-1988, treasurer from 1995 to 2009; and several star point positions, as well as Grand Representative of Alabama in Kentucky from 1992-1993. She loved her friends and family, and socializing with all.
She was a beautiful person whose smile could light up any room. Evelyn and Lee Parker were permanent benefactors of the OES and Masons.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, William Laurel Ward and Eliza Leona (Adcock) of Huntsville, as well as both her older brother, Harry Orval Ward (Ruth), and his son Harry Daniel Ward; younger brother Grover Wheeler Ward (Ann); and former husband Douglas D. Gilley.
Left to treasure her memory are her husband of 35 years, Lee Doyle Parker, and step-daughter, Sandra Parker, both of the Huntsville area; Harry’s wife, Ruth and daughters, Reverend Lynn Ward Moore FCE, Ret. (Billy) of Oxford, AL; LTC, Ret. Sue Ward Moynihan of Rock Island, IL; HPD Officer Leona Ward Conner (Steve) of Prospect, TN; and Mary Lou Ward, FRP/CP (Rafael) of Sarasota, FL. Evelyn is also survived by Grover’s wife Ann and his sons, Garland Keith Ward (Cindy); and Ken Byron Ward (Connie), all of Huntsville; and numerous great- and grand-nieces, and nephews; and beloved cousin, Mary Ann Ward Arpasi (Dale) of Troy, Michigan.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately following in the chapel.
