Mary Jo Parker

Mary knew it was time to go. In the early morning of June 14, 2022, Mary peacefully left this Earth to join her beloved Paul in heaven.

The saying goes, “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much,” this easily describes Mary’s life. Mary Jo was born in Owensville, Missouri to William and Mae Moses. She was the first girl after a string of four boys. She was followed by another brother and sister. She spoke with great fondness when she told stories of growing up in Missouri with a house full of siblings and cousins. She loved God and family above all else. She loved deeply and completely.

After graduating high school in Ironton, Missouri, Mary Jo moved to St. Louis for work. It was there that her best friend introduced Mary Jo to Eddie (Paul) Parker. Mary often said it was love at first sight. Three months later Eddie & Mary Jo were married. They built a lifelong love, friendship and example of what honor and commitment looks like. Throughout their life together Mary and Eddie worked as a team, holding hands every step of the way. On their 65th wedding Anniversary Mary said, “I would marry him all over again.” With a foundation built from strong faith and love, Mary and Paul built a family.

The entire family could count on Mom’s eyes to light up as soon as we entered the room. This was quickly followed by open arms and a hug. There was never one moment in any of our lives when we didn’t know we were completely loved and adored by our mom/grandma. There is a quote that says, “To lead the people, walk behind them.” Mary was that leader… in family, in faith, in business. She was the scaffolding and support on which our family was built. She was behind Paul and her family, personally and professionally, in every endeavor.

Her faith in God was her anchor and she demonstrated it every day in her love and care for others. We will miss her every day. We will miss her quick wit, her great hugs, her homemade pies and family breakfasts of biscuits and gravy. We will miss all the laugh until you cry moments, however, our hearts are buoyed knowing her deep faith has carried her home to glory beside her Eddie.

The depth of our grief over the passing of our mom, grandma, sister, friend, and anchor can only be matched by our gratitude for having loved and been loved by such an amazing woman.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul “Eddie”, her father (William), mother (Mae), brothers (Gene, Harold, Donald, Howard), and her granddaughter (Sarah). She leaves behind her children: Debbie Holmes (Tim), Brad Parker (Kelly), Lorri McInroy (Dave), Bill Parker (Laura). Grandchildren: Casey (Adam), Luke (Lindsey), Jamie (Andrew), Travis (Crista), Hanna (Brian), Cody, Jordan, Allie, Morgan, William, Great-granddaughters: Adi, Nora, Evie, and Ellie. Brother: Jim Moses (Mary), Sister: Marie Davis (John) as well as numerous relatives and friends.

A celebration to honor Mary and Paul Parker’s lives will take place on September 3, 2022, at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos. Arrangements and a website for condolences have been entrusted to Rivera Family Funeral Home in Los Alamos.