Martin Parker Sr.

June 9, 1968 - October 4, 2021

On Sunday, June 9, 1968, Martin Fitzgerald Parker Sr. entered this earthly realm to fulfill his God-given purpose. On this sunny, 80-degree spring day, Annie Elizabeth Kornegay Parker and Leo Parker welcomed a happy baby boy. He was born in Washington, DC, grew up in New Haven, CT, and lived a majority of his youth in the Church Street South Housing Development. On October 4, 2021, Martin Fitzgerald Parker Sr. victoriously transitioned from earth to glory. Martin was trained in the ways of the Lord and as he grew older, he did not depart. He was the youngest of 5 children in the union of Annie and Leo and was educated in the New Haven Public School system. Martin was blessed to receive his spiritual teachings from the late Bishop Jonathan Powell, D.D., and was baptized at an early age while growing up in English Chapel (now English Chapel Cathedral of Miracles) Unified Freewill Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT. Martin loved attending church and boldly served the Lord while in the earthly realm. Martin was an active member of English Chapel; he was a devoted member of the English Chapel U.F.W.B. Youth and Young Adult Choir and a member of the English Chapel Male Chorus. He also enjoyed being an active member of the Y.P.C.L. – Young People Christian League; Martin was fully engulfed in his spiritual upbringing. On October 26, 1988, Martin became employed by the Winkle Bus Company in West Haven CT; a place where he worked for over 33 years. It wasn’t long before the owner of the bus company, Craig Winkle, took notice of Martin and his unique leadership abilities. They soon developed a special bond, to the point that Martin became an adopted family member and Craig’s right-hand man at the bus company, where he would not only drive but dispatch and help train new drivers. There are many fond memories of Martin picking up and dropping off his kids, family, and friends on the school bus, as well as doing special outings and trips. From March 1993 to July 1997, Martin became employed by Youth Fair Chance under Workforce Alliance as a Youth Facilitator. In this position, he was able to help many young people realize and learn new talents. He was able to assist them in bringing about a different outcome for their lives, other than what the streets were offering. Through honest communication, guidance, supervision, and training, he was able to make a difference in their lives. Martin became a true friend and mentor to many young people. In 2017, with his lifelong friend Timothy Tompkins, Martin became partners in the TPark Transportation Company where they became owners of two coach buses, that ran trips to the destinations of their choice. Throughout the years, Martin’s passion for music was exemplified, he was a talented musician, blessed with many gifts from God. He played various instruments, sang, and wrote and produced music. He ministered in the form of music under the direction of Bishop Jonathan Powell, D.D. – English Chapel, Pastor Alton Barnes – Holy Trinity C.O.G.I.C., Bishop Brewer, Jr. – CT First Jurisdictional C.O.G.I.C. State Choir, Bishop Kenneth H. Moales, Sr. - Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love / COTHS, Pastor Larry Delong – Miracle Temple, Bishop Willa Moody – Agape Christian Center, Pastors Sigmund & Tina Morriar. Martin played for, sang with, wrote for, and produced for musical artists and groups such as: Revelation, Willie Small and the Willie Smalls Singers, Shawn Brown / JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, Rahsaan Langley, Ricky Alan Draughn, Rasheem Dixon and Intimate Encounter, Tremaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Cesar, Kevin Monroe and Devotion, and many, many more. Martin was a mentor and friend to many, he supported and encouraged many in the music industry and left a heavy influence on those privileged to work with him throughout his career. Martin was the creator and owner of True 2 Flow Productions. Martin leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother and family matriarch, Annie Parker, his loving companion LaTonya Davis, and to continue his legacy: Martin Evans (Tiara), Martin F. Parker Jr. (Natalia), Marcus Parker, Marquel Parker, Martineesha Parker, Antasia Brown, Jayden Davis, Joseph Parker, Kae’lynn Parker, his daughters by heart, Salina Bartell and Jordan Wilson; his grandchildren – Martin Evans, Jr., Terray’e Alers, A’leah Parker, and Teigan Melody Parker. He is now a root in the heritage tree leaving his sisters Patricia Brickhouse, Patricia Lawson, Shirley Canady, Deborah Canady, Florenda Koonce, Carolyn Kornegay, Reverend Doretha Jackson Tyson, Lucinda Minder; his brothers – Amos Parker, Bobby Andrews, and Douglas Parker. And his brother and sister by heart Leroy Grant Jr. and Dotti Grant. He is now a root in the heritage tree leaving his sisters Patricia Brickhouse, Patricia Lawson, Shirley Canady, Deborah Canady, Florenda Koonce, Carolyn Brown (Theron), Reverend Doretha Jackson Tyson (Will), Lucinda Minder; his brothers – Amos Parker, Bobby Andrews, Douglas Parker (Annie), and his brother and sister by heart Leroy Grant Jr. and Dotti Grant. Martin is also survived by 13 nieces, 3 nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Martin was ushered into eternity by his dearly departed father Leo Parker, Sr., brother - Leo Parker, Jr., brother - Bobby Lawson Parker, Brother/Cousin - Curtis Parker, Sister-in-Love – Cynthia Gamble Parker, and maternal and paternal grandparents.