Mother Annie Elizabeth Parker

Mother Annie Elizabeth Parker Mother Annie Elizabeth Kornegay Parker, born February 25, 1941, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to the late George and Bessie Kornegay, entered into eternal rest in the loving care of her Savior on February 14, 2026. Her compassionate heart revealed itself early as she helped raise her siblings; cooking, caring, and nurturing them with a tenderness that would become the hallmark of her life. In the early 1960s, Mother Parker moved to Washington, D.C., with the love of her life, Leo Parker. There she began her work in the health-care field, serving community families with the same gentleness she offered her own. After moving to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1969, Mother Parker and her family became the first residents of Church Street South. There she became active in the Civil Rights Movement through the NAACP and served as President of the Welfare Moms Group advocating for the rights and dignity of her community. Mother Parker provided private care to several families, which included the late Senator Joe Lieberman, lovingly caring for his children. Later she became a Certified Nurse’s Aide and dedicated many years to the New Haven Visiting Nurse Association until her retirement. In 1970, Mother Parker and her family joined English Chapel U.F.W.B. Church under the late Bishop Jonathan Powell. In the church community she extended her dedication to service with unwavering devotion, giving her best. She was involved in several committees including Church Transportation (from New Haven to Bridgeport), President of the Nurse’s Aide, V.P. and President of the Missionary Board, Mothers Board, Vice Chair of the Church Anniversary Committee. Mother Parker was a joyful longstanding member of the Inspirational Choir, leading many songs, but none more memorable than "This Morning When I Rose", which she sang with such power that the church would join her as she worshipped God in a dance and lifting Him in praise!!!! She had a special gift of patience on the Hospitality Committee. Everyone knew she was in charge! Her legacy lives through those she trained, guided, and lovingly corrected in the humble ministry of servicing others. At the U.F.W. B. Church General Conference, Mother Parker served as Treasurer for the Choir Convention and was on the Mother Board. Subsequently, Mother Parker became a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of former Pastor Dr. Brian Bellamy, and now Pastor Rev. Dr. Seesa H. Ellison where she remained dedicated to her service until her health no longer permitted. Mother Parker was known for opening her home and her heart to family, friends, and anyone in need. She believed in peace, respect, treating others with kindness, loved to laugh, carried a sharp wit and was a joy to be around. She leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Douglas Parker Sr.; three daughters, Carolyn Brown (Dee Lee), Rev. Dr. Doretha Tyson (Willie), Lucinda Minder all of New Haven, CT.; a brother, Elder George Rufus Kornegay((Jacqueline), of New Haven, CT.; two sisters, Vernice Dent (Billy), and Sheila Kornegay of Washington, D.C.; forty-four grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; two goddaughters, Shonda Reaves Smith and Mary Alice Thomas; six bonus children, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, special bonus love, Annie Gibson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Mother Annie Parker was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Trustee Leo Parker; son, Martin Parker; brothers Elder Milton, Robert and Jessie Kornegay; sisters Evang. Katie Belle Sutton, Ernestine and Angela Kornegay; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Parker; grandson Anthony Mitchell, and other beloved family members.

Mother Annie Elizabeth Parker

February 25, 1941 - February 14, 2026