Acknowledgement 
The family of Gwendolyn Parker is deeply grateful for friends and extended family that have 
been so special during our bereavement. Your prayers, visits, calls, and other thoughtful 
expressions have helped during this difficult time. 
A special thank you and appreciation for Ms. Gwen's caregivers during her illness. Your love and dedication will never be forgotten. - Sylvia Cordell 
Arrangements entrusted to 
Murray Brothers Funeral Home 
 
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 In Celebration of and ThanksgMng for the Ufe of Gwendolyn Rhodes Parker 
Clara Gwendolyn Rhodes Parker, affectionately called Gwen, passed October 22, 20 16. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 16, 1933. She was the only child of the fate William H. Rhodes and Sylvia R. Rhodes of Atlanta, Georgia. 
Gwendolyn was educated in Atlanta during her formative years; but attended and graduated from Allen High School in North Carolina in I 952. She was enrolled in Clark College in Atlanta where she attended for two years studying Home Economics. 
Gwendolyn left Clark College and married the late LB. Cordell, Jr. From this union two daughters were born: Sylvia Y. Cordell and the late Teresa C. Hightower. She was also blessed with one grandson, Regis W. Hightower, II. Later she married the fate Lloyd Parker. No children were born from this union. 
While married to L. B., a military serviceman in the Air Force, the family resided in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Spain, and Germany. Gwendolyn was a devoted mother and grandmother, who encouraged her children to strive for excellence in education and strongly supported their extracurricular activities and endeavors. 
Like her fate father and mother, Gwendolyn was about business. Her high school yearbook quote was "Fools wait for things to turn up; wise men go to turn them up." Her strength and will power was insurmountable. In fact, after her father's death, she continued managing his barbershop for many years while pursuing a career path w ith the Federal Government. Her last position was a congressional service representative with the General Services Administration (GSAJ, Office of Management Services. In this position, she provided support to U.S. Senators and House of Representatives for the eight Southeastern states within our region w ith opening, closing and relocation of offices. In 1994, Gwendolyn retired after twenty-nine years of loyal service to the GSA. 
Gwendolyn's early Christian experience began at Allen Temple A .M.E. Church (Atlanta, GA). She had a passion for singing and joined the youth choir. Later after her family settled in Atlanta from travel overseas, Gwendolyn joined Alexander Memorial A.M.E. church in Atlanta where she sang in the choir and served in various church activities and functions. After moving to the South Fulton area of Atlanta, she joined Laster Chapel United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women and the choir. In 2009, Gwendolyn moved her church affiliation to Bethel United Methodist Church. She loved attending weekly midday Bible study, singing in the annual Women's Day choir and participating in those activities, and served faithfully until her failing health prevented her from attending Bethel regularly. 
Gwendolyn Parker loved life. Some of her hobbies were bowling, travelling, gardening, cooking, baking and walking. Gwen was an active member of Chi Mu Epsilon sorority in the I 990's and a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels. 
She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted and loving daughter, Sylvia Y. Cordell, a dedicated companion and bowling partner, Charles M. Matthews, her only grandson, Regis W. Hightower, cousins, friends and extended family. 
 
! Processional ............................................................................................................................. "Total Praise" 
!Hymn of Celebration ................................................................................................... "My Hope Is Built" UMH #368 
 
! Scripture: 
 
Old Testament Psalm 23.............................Rev. Marvin King, Sr. 
New Testament John 14: l-6 12 Timothy 4:6-B........Rev. King 
 
! Prayer of Comfort ............................................................................................... Pastor Verna Anderson Bishop Aaron B. Lackey, Ministries 
!Celebration In Song ........................................................................................... "Oh, How I Love Jesus" 
 
! Reflections: 
 
Co-Worker: Mrs. India Harris Friend: Mr. William Patman Family: Mr. Willie Richards 
 
!Celebration In Song .......................................................................................... "It Is Well With My Soul" 
 
!Words of Comfort .........................................................................................Rev. Dr. Michael D. Stinson Senior Pastor 
!Organ Medley 
 
!Acknowledgement............................................................................................................Murray Brothers 
 
!Recessional .................................................................................................................... "Goin' Up Yonder" 
 
The family will receive friends and share a repast in the Church Fellowship Hall immediately following service.