Patricia "Pat" Parker

Patricia Parker passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 79 with friends at her side.  Pat was born in Chickasaw, Alabama, to her loving parents Ruth and Glenn Parker. She grew up in Chickasaw and graduated from Vigor High School in Prichard, AL. She was a proud member of the 1^st graduating class of Mobile College in 1967. Pat accepted a teaching position in Walton County, Florida for a short time. Wanting to earn her M. Ed., she chose to move to Hammond after learning of the outstanding SLU Department of Education’s excellence for its master’s degree programs in her field.  After moving to Hammond in 1974 and completing her advanced degree she made her home in Hammond for the rest of her life. 

Pat taught English briefly in St. Tammany Parish, then accepted a position with Social Security in Amite. While there she developed an interest in social work. She then took her new interest to accept a position at the Hammond State School, in answer to God’s call to build relationships with developmentally disabled residents and advocate on their and their family’s behalf. She continued working there as the facility transitioned to the Hammond Developmental Center and later through its privatization to Evergreen Life Services before its final closure. She worked well beyond her retirement years, and Pat dedicated herself to those she served well beyond her retirement as she maintained lifelong relationships with some of her clients and their families after she retired.

Pat’s Christian faith journey and her kindness, compassion, empathy, gentle spirit, work ethic, integrity, and dedication were an example to coworkers whom she loved, her friends, and her family. Pat is survived by her best friend, Roxanne Quinn. She is also survived by her loving brother Tom Parker (Joy) of Chickasaw, AL, and her niece, Susan Parker Thomaston(Marc) of Chickasaw, AL, and several great nieces and great nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Ruth Dunn Parker and Glenn Parker of Chickasaw AL.

A private service was held at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery in Hammond on Monday, March 18, 2024, where she is laid to rest. A Celebration of Life /Memorial Service will be held in Alabama later. Friends and family would like to thank the professional, talented, and compassionate North Oaks ICU team that ministered to Pat during her illness. Please consider donating to the church or charity of your choice in memory of Pat.