JOSEPH PARKER was born on February 2, 1946 to the late Willie and Susie Parker in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the fifth of eight children.
Joseph’s formal education began in the Birmingham City School System. He was a graduate of Western Olin High School, Class of 1964. He attended Lawson State Community College. He served in the United States Army, and he worked at US Steel for 30 years.
Joseph was the Pastor of Spirit of Life Church of Athens in Athens Alabama and he later became the associate Pastor of By Grace through Faith Church of Birmingham Alabama.
Joseph, affectionately known as “Bruh” or “Pickle,” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a faithful servant of God that enjoyed witnessing and praying for others. He loved the Lord with all his heart, and he trusted fully in His word. Joseph always had a story to tell about the power of prayer and the miracles that he’d witnessed throughout his life.
On September 16, 2021 our father, Joseph Parker, completed his earthly journey.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lillie Louise Parker (06/2021); his parents, Willie B. Sr., and Susie D. Parker; his daughter, Marcia DeShun Johnson (08/2001), and his eldest sister Annie Marie Parker (12/2001).
Joseph is survived by his sons Illya D. Parker Sr., (Renee), Arion D. Parker (Tamila), Byron N. Parker, his daughter; Shevella K. Hill (Anthony); his stepchildren; Paulette McCray (Eugene), Yulanda Amison (William), Vakebia Harley (Marcell), his grandchildren; Diron, Daria, Anton, Illyshia, Jasmin, Isis, Illya Jr., Johnathan, Aaron, Alex, Byron Jr., Brooklyn, Brendon, his siblings; Willie Parker, Jr. (Mary), Otelia Stevenson, Mary McDaniel, Susie Jones (Robert), Belinda Davis, Earnestine Parker, a special niece; Veronica Smith, special friends; Cecil Williams, Johnny Boyd, Cleveland Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church members, and friends.
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