Kathleen “Denise” Parker
Kathleen Denise Parker, 49, West Plains, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 17, 2017, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
She was born February 14, 1968, in Terrell, Texas, to Wayland Valentine and Willie Bates. On May 31, 1996, she was married in Morrison, Illinois, to Charles Parker, Jr. Mrs. Parker earned an associate degree from Morrison Institute of Technology, Morrison, Illinois and had worked as a structural engineer. Her and her husband first resided in Illinois, then made their home in Missouri in 2002. She loved to travel and enjoyed the beach, especially Jamaica. Denise was loved by all that knew her. She had a very giving heart full of kindness and was always there for anyone in need. Denise was a loyal and devoted wife, a strong and encouraging mother and a loving and caring sister, who often took charge. She loved her grandchildren beyond measure. Mrs. Parker was also a gifted artist and seamstress.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Parker; three children, Anthony Parker, Julie Chaffin and husband, Jonathon and Nikita Gale and husband, Nathan; four step-children, Charles Parker, III, Adam Parker and wife, Jessica, Mandy Minnick and Kyle Parker; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her parents, Wayland Valentine and Willie Bates; mother-in-law, Mary Parker; one brother, Robert Valentine and wife, Nikki; two sisters, Renee Vaughn and husband, Jeff and Betty Gail Valentine; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her grandparents, step-father Jose Mata, father-in-law, Charles Parker, Sr., brother-in-law, Bruce Hurd, sister-in-law, Bobbi Jo Reed and special friend, Dennis Curtner, Jr., preceded her in death.
A private memorial service will be held by the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Christos House and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
ALLISON HARRIS
July 20, 2017 @ 10:44 am
we are so sadden to hear this . may Gods healing hands be with you all at this great time of sorrow.
Sarah Gutierrez
July 20, 2017 @ 2:02 pm
I just heard about the world losing one more special person. I knew Denise for 20 years as we started our careers together. I will miss her and her infectious laugh. She truly was a special lady with a huge and loving heart. I am praying for her family to lean on each other and take their strength from their mutual love for each other. May God bless each of you His strength to get thru the grief together.
Jeff Huff
July 21, 2017 @ 7:45 am
I hadn’t spoken with Denise in a few years but I am so saddened by this news. I worked with her for a number of years at CMC and always enjoyed talking with her and getting advice from her. My thoughts go out to her family…may God be with you during this time. Denise will be missed terribly!
Donna Swanson
July 21, 2017 @ 10:47 am
Oh Chuck, I just found out about Denise. I am heart-broken. I so wanted to see her again. She hasn’t called me in a couple months, so I didn’t know she was back in the hospital. I was waiting for her to send me the ‘book’ to edit for her. I know she was hoping you two could come and visit me when I got settled in, just like Jamaica only Mexico!!! I loved her and can’t believe she won’t be making me laugh anymore. My heart is with you and the kids and the grandbabies. She had more fight for her life in her little finger than most of us have in our whole being. God love you and take care of you Denise.