Obituary: Shirley E. Parker

Shirley E. Parker, March 14, 1936-May 13, 2021

Shirley Elizabeth Parker, 85, of Manchester, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital, Jackson.

Shirley’s family and friends will gather Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 5 – 7 pm and Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 10 – 11 am at Eineder Funeral Homes - Brooklyn Chapel. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11 am. Pastor Tracy Collier of First Church of the Nazarene will officiate. Interment to follow at Highland Cemetery.

She was born on March 14, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan to Maurice and Pearl (Harsh) Burns. Shirley married the late Theodore H. Parker, on December 14, 1954, in Brooklyn, Michigan. She will forever be remembered as the “Egg Lady”, even having a substantial chicken knick-knack collection. Shirley grew up during the depression and carried that knowledge into raising her own large family. She knew how to provide for them by sewing, canning, and keeping the books for four fully functioning farms. Shirley enjoyed family times during the holidays, her African violets, and baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers. She also was employed for 10 years at Montgomery Wards in Jackson. Later in life, she became involved in the Senior Center — making quilts, traveling, and taking cruises.

Shirley is survived by her children, Carlton Parker, Suzanne (Duane) Derry, Mary Reid, John Parker, and Greg Parker; her brother, Leland (Erica) Burns; grandchildren Dennis (Leann) Parker, Stacy, Kristin (Alex) Persu, Lindsay, Michael, Melanie, Ashley (Timothy) Jester and Courtney; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Theodore H. Parker, and a son Theodore E. Parker.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Kidney Foundation. Please leave a message of comfort for Shirley’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.