Gloria Nell (Reed) Parker passed away at the age of 87 on June 8, 2024, surrounded by family, in her second hometown of Mobile, Alabama. She was born to Nannie and George Reed on November 16, 1936, in Kennedy Hill, AL where her father worked as a coal miner in the Praco Coal Mines. Her life was all about loving her husband and her children, then grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Bell Sumiton Chapel on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2:00pm visitation will be one hour prior to service here in the Chapel. Burial to follow at Freewill West Jesfferson.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Doug (2013), her son, Mark (2014), her daughter, Jeanne (2015), great-grandson Colin (2021) and her daughter-in-law, Angela (2023). Gloria had three older siblings that preceded her in death, Imagene Reed, Hazel Calvert, and Ed Calvert as well as one younger sister, Wanda Joan Reed(birth).
Gloria met her husband, Calvin Douglas Parker, at West Jefferson High school and they were married in Wegra, AL on August 10, 1952. They were married for over 60 years. They had five children, Tony Parker (Rachel), Jeanne Fountain (Gabe), Mark Parker (Angela), Patrice Dyer (Tim), and Tad Parker (Allison), as well as 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, George Michael Reed (Ulla) who resides in Munich, Germany.
Gloria spent most of her married life in Birmingham and Mobile. After the passing of her husband, she resided with her daughter, Patrice, in Mobile, AL then Proveer Assisted Living. After an injury from a fall, she resided with Jeremy and Melanie (Grandson).
She was dedicated to the Lord. She was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years. Gloria was proud to say she was a Coal Miner’s Daughter. She loved her family so much. Gloria loved Gospel Music, spending time with family and friends, and sharing memories of her life.
This message was found in her journal after her passing:
“No discord within my family and love each other is the best tribute you could make to me.”
