Obituary

Lionel Enders “Ed” Parker, 89, of Yawkey, WV, went to be with the Lord on August 25, 2024, after a short illness.

He was born on January 22, 1935, to the late Ralph Garland Parker and Gladys Mae Parker (nee Hoverstock) in Petersburg, VA.

Lionel is survived by his loving wife, Linda Lou Parker; sister, Nancy Sandford of Hampton, VA; children, Linda Whiteley, Sherie Orton (husband Willie), Leanne Parker, and Heidi Parker (husband Bill); seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Lionel received his Master of Public Administration from WV College of Graduate Studies, Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his B.S. in Sociology from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University).

He was the owner and operator of a general store near Carson, VA, from 1954 to 1967, and from 1967 to 1972, he was the Rehabilitation Counselor and Assistant State Supervisor for Vocational Rehabilitation Services at the Virginia Commission for the Visually Handicapped in Richmond, VA. From 1972 to 2000, he held various and increasingly responsible positions with West Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services.

He received several honors during his lifetime, including Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology 1977 and 1978, President of Administrative and Supervisory Practices Division of the National Rehabilitation Association, and had numerous psychological and rehabilitation articles published in psychological and rehabilitation journals.

A Christian by faith, he was a member of Yawkey Community Church, Yawkey, formerly of Shiloh Baptist Church, Carson, VA.

For many years, Lionel was a member of the Moose Club, where he enjoyed all dances! He was a longtime member of a local ballroom dancing club, where he took lessons for years. He was also longtime member of Charleston Winemaking Guild.

Lionel was a world traveler, having completed numerous cruises. Some would say he had “gasoline in his veins,” always ready to go and have a new adventure! He loved all animals, particularly hummingbirds and cats, and a monthly supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Yawkey Community Church, 4989 Straight Fork Road, Yawkey, WV.

Condolences may be sent to his family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.