Parker, Michael Woodrow
Birth: Tuesday, September 19, 1972 in Calvert County, Maryland
Residence: Calvert County, Maryland Death: Monday, November 12, 2007 at the age of 35 Condolences: Click to View or Post |
Michael Woodrow Parker was born on September 19, 1972 to Dolores Paulette Letitia Parker and Robert Freeland.
Michael was the second child born into the family. His first name was given him by his older brother. His mother gave him his middle name in honor of her brother. He was raised in a loving home, supported by his mother and grandparents. Michael was educated in the Calvert County Public School System. His early years he attended the Head Start Program at Brooks United Methodist Church. He attended Mutual Elementary, Southern Middle, and Calvert High Schools. During his youth, Michael participated in the 4-H Club, Cub Scouts, and he played Baseball. He sometimes would play football and was nearly impossible to tackle. He would often be found hanging with "his boys" Shabazz Gray, Troy Brooks, and Charles Stewart. Michael loved good singing. Although his time in choirs was limited to the Brooks Youth Choir, he would often listen in on other rehearsals. As a child, he had two favorite songs: Hush (Somebody's Calling My Name), sung by the Youth Choir and God Never Fails, sung by the Brooks Chancel Choir. As a young adult, he would grow to love music by the Winans Family, Bebe and Cece, in particular. If ever any Winans event took place within driving distance, Michael was there. At Calvert High School, all "Big Mike's" years of being a fun loving jokester perfectly suited him joining the Drama Club. He loved the stage and even received a High School Letter for his participation. During his senior year, he was voted "Most Talkative" and "Friendliest." As enjoyable as he found the times with the Drama Club, he approached the NJ-ROTC with complete seriousness. His desire was to be the best there was. After his participation in the NJ-ROTC, rarely if ever would you see Michael in anything wrinkled or with unshined shoes. After High School, he attended Prince George's Community College and graduated from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. At the time of his death, he had begun the transfer process to complete a degree in Criminal Justice at Coppin State University. To know Michael, was to know his love for his children. Michael married Vanessa Lewis in 1997. From this union were two children. To mention them as mere children or offspring does not do justice to the relationship. Michael would spend every moment possible with Deja, his Love Bug, and Princess and cherish any visits with Najea his Nana, his Sugar Mama. Inseparable would be the word to best describe how he felt about his relationship with "his girls." At Greater Mount Zion Michael found a church home. We quickly learned that if Michael saw a need at his church, especially with the first family, he was there. There were times when he was questioned about the time he spent there and would simply laugh and get back to his church. The Greater Mount Zion Security Ministry was as much a source of pride for Michael as any of his recent undertakings. There was no question that everything he did for the Greater Mount Zion Congregation was to the glory of God. Although Michael could be found most everywhere and anywhere, he was simply "Brotha Mike" and that was a moniker he wore with pride. In recent years, Michael had several jobs to support his family. At the time of his death, he was employed by Kmart. Michael enjoyed his time there and looked forward to his time with his co-workers. Previous jobs included the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and working Security at the Gas Plant at Cove Point. He enjoyed driving and would at times drive Limousines on the weekend. He also enjoyed his time driving for SmartRide, Inc. Years after his time there, however, Michael was remembered and spoke fondly of for his time as a McDonald's employee. If one word was to be used to describe Michael, it would be "Loyal." After meeting Michael, you would feel as if he had known you for years and he would not forget you or your name. If he considered you a friend, you had a friend for life, come what may. The best part of having Michael was a friend was that if you showed him loyalty, you had an unfailing ally. Michael passed away on November 12, 2007 at Georgetown University Hospital. Preceding him in death are his mother Paulette, grandparents Dorothy and Gaither, and uncle William. He leaves to mourn his passing, Daughters Deja Renee and Najea Nicole; Brothers Gregory (Gisele) and Marcus (Iris); Uncles Gaither II (Josephine) and Gregory; Aunts Marcia and Darlene; Nieces Myeesha and Nicole; Nephews Jahille, Collin, Connor, Cole, and Corban; First-cousins Wendy, Carita, LaTanya, Gaither III, and Dorisa; and a host of close family and friends. Among his final words were "Who are going to care for my babies?" Our mission is to take that job, his first earthly priority, with the same seriousness to which he devoted his life. Please remember Deja and Najea Parker in your prayers. Many have asked about assistance that can be offered. We are requesting that in lieu of flowers or other tributes that donating to his Memorial Fund be considered to assist with burial expenses and educational funds for Deja and Najea. Please make all donations payable to the "Michael Parker Memorial Fund". Donations can also be mailed to the following address: Michael Parker Memorial Fund c/o Gregory Parker 1732 Barnwood Court Severn, MD 21144 |