Irma "Ray" Parker

Irma “Ray” Parker passed in peace on Monday, May 18, 2020 at the age of 81 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Ray was born on a beautiful spring day, April 13, 1939 in Hammond, Louisiana to John and Irma Crouse and she married her friend and the love of her life, Guy Douglas Parker on July 26, 1957. 

Ray Parker was loved by all who knew her, and she was a pillar of the community. She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church and attended Woodland Park Baptist Church and Harvest World Outreach. Ray loved nature and flowers and was an avid member of the Garden Club in Hammond. She was a vivacious spirit who spent her childhood on the family owned Crouse Farms milking cows and slowly learning from her parents the meaning of hard work and family values. She loved fishing and family time. As an adult, Ray had worked as a photographer, jeweler and in cosmetology which led her to a successful career with Estee Lauder Cosmetics at Dillard’s Department Store. 

Ray Parker was a dedicated mother who treasured her children, and grandchildren. She always encouraged them to chase their dreams and live life to the fullest. She and her husband built their estate on the family farm while raising their four children,instilling in them love and the Word of God. Ray will always be remembered by her loved ones as a passionate mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. The last years of her life were difficult due to her loss of memory, but through the trauma there was always the love of her husband and children who were always there by her side. 

Ray Parker is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Wild and Shirley Brunet, her daughters, Shirlyn and Heather Parker, her sons, Kyle and Kevin Parker, her grandchildren, Jenice Jones, Shay Powell, Alex and Garret Brisset, also many nieces, nephews, close friends and loved ones. 

Ray Parker is preceded in death by her loving husband Guy Douglas Parker, her parents, John Edward Crouse and Irma Lipscomb Crouse, her brothers, John E. Crouse, Jr., and Elmer Crouse and many other loved ones.

There will be a private graveside ceremony where she will be placed with her husband Guy.

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