Apostle Spurgeon D. Parker, 98, of New Bedford died Thursday June 4, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital.
He was the husband of the late Julianna "JiJi" (Teixeira) Parker.
Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the son of the late Rev. Byrnum and Mary (Davis) Parker, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He retired from Dartmouth Clothing and was formerly employed at Comus Manufacturing, Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC and the Mutterpearl residence in New Bedford.
Apostle S. D. Parker also known to some as ‘Elder Parker’ joined the United House of Prayer for all People in Rock Hill, SC in 1929 under the leadership of the its late Founder, Bishop Charles M. Grace.
Apostle Parker held many positions in the United House of Prayer and his greatest was in 1933 when Bishop C.M. ‘Daddy’ Grace ordained him a minister. At the time of his death, Apostle Parker was the last and oldest surviving minister from Daddy Grace’s era in the New England District of the United House of Prayer. Apostle Parker dedicated his life to serving the Lord.
Apostle Parker was well known by many of the “older generation” of the residents in the West End community. During the spring and summer months, he could always be found trimming the hedges at his former residence on Mill St. and always showed his southern gentleman manners to everyone with a smile and “hello,” or a wave to passing motorists or tipping his hat as people walked by and wishing them a good day. He will always be remembered for going to the church restaurant every weekend and sitting at a special table enjoying his evening meal with his dear and best friend Edwin Sherley, speaking to the customers and reminiscing about the old days with the members.
He is survived by his daughter, Pauline Julianna Christopher and her husband Maurice of Rochester, MA; step daughters Marlene Vivian (Grace) Tavares and Jean Ellen (Grace) Duarte both of New Bedford; a sister, Amanda Jane Castle and brother Isaac Russell Parker both of Rock Hill, SC; three grandchildren Marcus David Christopher and his wife Stephanie of Inglewood, CA, Gina Helene Boggs and her husband Troy of Hyde Park, MA, Stacy Edwina Moore and her husband Keith of Alexandria, VA, his sister-in-law Natividade "Marie" Teixeira of New Hampshire and 4 great grandchildren; Donovan David Leitao Christopher, Bryce and Breia Boggs and Makayla Alexander.
He also leaves behind nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
He is preceded in death by his sisters, Connie Parker and Wilma Green, and brothers, Cye, Paul, Mildred, Charlie, and John William Parker.
Visiting hours Saturday, June 13th from 5-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Homegoing Service will be held on Sunday, June 14th at 5 PM at The United House of Prayer for All People, 419 Kempton St., New Bedford, with visitation at Church prior to service from 4-5 PM. The Funeral Procession will form at Church on Monday morning, June 15th at 10 AM for his Committal Service in Pine Grove Cemetery.