James E. Parker Sr.

James Edward Parker was born October 24, 1943, the third son of Samuel B. and Beulah Parker in Osyka, Mississippi. He passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the age of 78.

James attended O.W. Dillon Elementary and high school, in Kentwood, Louisiana, and graduated in April 1961.

As a child, James attended the Tangipahoa Baptist Church, State Line Road, Kentwood, Louisiana, which was the Reed family church. His parents relocated to Osyka, Mississippi where he attended the Shiloh Baptist Church. He joined the choir and often led songs.

James met Sodonia R. Smith in 1956, and five years later they were married on May 8, 1962. From this union, four children were born.

James moved to Houston, Texas to live with his Aunt and Uncle Elizabeth and Alphonso Brock, after graduation, to seek gainful employment. He worked at several jobs before securing employment with the Pipeline. His work assignments took him and family to several states in the US (Tulsa, Oklahoma, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and others). The Pipeline disbanded in Oklahoma in June 1965. While preparing to return to Louisiana, James was informed that his father had a serious job-related accident. The family arrived in Delaware in July 1965. While waiting for his father to recover, James and Sodonia secured several jobs and later housing for their family. James joined Laborers International Union of North America, Local #199, in January 1966. The family also joined the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church on Walnut Street to worship with his father. James was employed through membership for over (40) years. He served several noteworthy positions in the Local and retired in December 2005.

James was initiated into Union Lodge #21, of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware. He embraced the knowledge, brotherhood, and dedication of the Masonic Family, which he later imparted when teaching his Masonic class "Perfect Points" consisting of students Terrance Wellman, Pervone Cropper, Derrick Goslee, Kelvin Harmon, Michael Robbins. He enthusiastically worked with the boys of the First District Pythagoreans Youth Council from 1976-1980, participating in parades in and out of Delaware, amusement parks, and other activities. Past Master James E. Parker, Sr. served Union Lodge #21 as Worshipful Master from 1980-1982, and as District School Master from 1983-1988. James joined Adah Chapter #1 and served as Worthy Patron from 1991-1992.

James was a sports enthusiast, but in Football he was a diehard EAGLES fan win, lose, or draw. He had a term for whatever column they were in - "They'll get them next year," Trust the process," but if the Eagles won he was loud and proud "Fly Eagles Fly!"

James' obituary would not be complete without giving a nod to his second home "The Casbar" known to many as a "classy establishment". James spent many years trading stories of good times and bad. They sponsored activities in the Southbridge neighborhood, played team softball, barbequed, and tailgated at Delaware State University Homecoming. They grew to become family and supported one another.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel & Beulah Parker,(2) brothers Sam Leslie and Charles Wesley Parker (2) Brothers-in-Law: Herbert J. Lee, Emile J. LaGarde, (8) Sisters-in-Law: Katryn Parker, Pearlie Parker, Gladys E. Lloyd, Lee Esther Smith, Ruby M. Dardar, Cora B. Hitchens, Pearl Dardar, Elouise McMillon.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Sodonia Parker, (3) daughters Somandra (Mandy) Parker, Angela (Ann) Parker, Lisa (Timothy) Moody, and (1) son James E. Parker II. Grandchildren: Kurtis (Ciera), Korey, Shaila, Anthony, Jameel Sudler, Robert (Merrisa), Jordan, Dominique Walker(Cora), JazMinik Porter, James E. III, Queen Jervey, and Kelsey Dumpson. Great-grandchildren: Kira, Taylor, Ja'Niyah, Kaila, Kevin, Tatiyana, Izayah, Kahniyah, Zymir, Ariyah, Sayonna, Denym, Larie, Boston, Robert Jr, Nor, Blake, Kylar, Zachariah, Rashaad, James E. IV. (1) Aunt: Dorothy Taylor Dorsey, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family and friends.

Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go. Cemetery Details


Gracelawn Memorial Park



2220 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

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Public Viewing


JAN 22. 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (ET)

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church
3079 New Castle Avenue
New Castle , DE 19720

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Celebration of Life


JAN 22. 10:00 AM (ET)

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church
3079 New Castle Ave
New Castle , DE 19720

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