Katie Del Parker

KATIE DEL PARKER, the second to last of ten daughters, was born on April 12, 1919, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Hurie and Olivia “Livey” Granger. Katie moved from Alabama to Baltimore, Maryland at the age of eight with her family. The family resided in South Baltimore on Leadenhall Street across the street from the historic Leadenhall Baptist Church where she received her early Christian training and became a life-long member. During her church years as an active and dedicated member of Leadenhall she served as a member of the Senior Missionary Ministry, where she later became president. She was also a member of the Senior Choir and Willing Workers. Katie was generous in her financial support of the church for over 70 years. Katie was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and began her secondary education at Frederick Douglass High School. She later transferred and graduated from Carver Vocational School. In 1937, Katie caught the attention of a handsome young gentleman from Long Branch, New Jersey, Wilbur Johnson, who she later married. From that union, they would have three daughters, Rita, Brenda, and Roslyn. Katie was a devoted wife and homemaker and a loving and supportive mother. The Johnson household became a gathering place for family and friends. Katie was known for her sense of style, always making her daughters proud when she attended PTA meetings and other school and community related events. Katie’s culinary skills were only outmatched by her husband who was a professional chef in some of Baltimore’s finest restaurants, e.g., Oyster Bay. Her cakes and pies were legendary. Peach Cobbler, Italian Cream Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, and her Russian Teas Cakes were a special treat during the holidays. This sense of style carried over into her home. She had a passion for reading home décor magazines and her seasonal decorations were reflective of her desire to make her home a holiday showcase. As her daughters reached their teenage years and became more independent, Katie’s passion for education and entrepreneurial spirit led her to return to the Apex Beauty School to fulfill her dream of becoming a licensed cosmetologist. After receiving her owners/managers license, she opened her own salon, “The Beauty Hut,” where she served a devoted clientele well into her 80’s. Katie was instrumental in facilitating the interests of many young women into the beauty industry. She was a mentor and role model to these aspiring young women who did not have anyone to emulate. In later years, Katie married Thomas Parker. Katie and “Parker,” as he was fondly called enjoyed traveling and entertaining. Rita, Brenda, and Roslyn also enjoyed a warm and special relationship with “Parker.” He was a devoted husband who loved Katie dearly and took great delight in making minor household improvements. For 64 years, Katie resided in East Baltimore at her Bond Street residence, where she was loved by the entire community. In addition to her daughters, her joys were spending time with her sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, and those who she held dear to her heart. She enjoyed watching 60 Minutes, Meet the Press, and Face the Nation. Her guilty pleasure was listening to the late-night Baltimore talk radio shows, often calling in to vigorously debate with the show host the political scene in the city. After Bond Street, she lived with her eldest granddaughter, Judi. She subsequently moved into the Renaissance Apartment Complex where she maintained her independence until she was 98. In 2017, she moved into the boutique Westfield Assisted Living for additional care. Straight-forward, discerning, forward-thinking, empathetic, and financially savvy, are just a few of the adjectives which describe this renaissance woman. She leaves to cherish her memory: four devoted daughters, Rita Y. McLendon (Donald), Brenda J. Reynolds, (Robert, Deceased), Roslyn L. Miller (Arnold, Deceased), Stephanie C. Davis (Lawrence); five loving granddaughters, Judith K. Reynolds-Stokes, Lynn M. Selby (Roland), Susan E. Thomas, Sabrina L. McLendon, Melissa A. McLendon; nine adoring great-grandchildren, Jabril Trusty-Johnson, Diallo Reynolds and Adia Stokes, Zion, Noah and Jonah Thomas, Jordan, Jessica, and Jaden Selby; four precious great great-grandchildren Evie Trusty-Johnson, Elias Reynolds, Zoié and Zaïr Thomas; two dedicated nieces Alice Torriente and Renee Harris (Willie); two great-nephews, Brian Williams (Candace) and Wilfredo Torriente (Sherrie); one great-niece, Mia Johnson (Maurice); and great-grandnephew, Justin Harris.

Tributes

Katie Del Parker

April 12, 1919 - April 23, 2023