Emanuel Parker

Emanuel &uot;Manny&uot; Parker, died Friday, September, 5, 2003 in Chicago, Ill.

Services were held at 12 noon on Friday, September 12, at St. Bethel M.B. Church, in Chicago, Ill., with the Rev. John H. Rice Sr. officiating.

Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife of 37 years, Verdalee of University Park, Ill.; a son, Maury C. Parker; a daughter-in-law, Tambra; two grandsons, Eric and Marcus of Country Club Hills, Ill., his mother, Lela Bennett-Parker of Birmingham; sisters, Carrie Ward, Inetta Coleman, Kathleen Davenport (Theodore) of Birmingham, Pam Bennett of Jamaica, N.Y., Norma Bennett of Nevada and Annie G. Bennett of New York; brother, Benjamin Bennett; brothers-in-law, Waymond (Fely), James (Adia), Lucious (Regina) and Lonnell (Diane) of Tulsa. Okla.; one sister-in-law: Lustervee of Tulsa, Okla.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death in death by his sister, Reacie Moore, brothers Willie Bell and Vens Parker, and his father, Finus Bennett-Parker.

Mr. Parker was born in1938 in Catherine, to Lela and Finus Bennett-Parker. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at in early age.

He received his elementary and secondary school education in Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tenn., and continued his education by earning a Masters Degree in guidance and counseling from Governors State University in University Park, Ill.

He retired from Thornton High School in 1993, where he was employed as a science teacher and later became a guidance counselor.

Emanuel was a well respected influence in the lives of his students but he was particularly devoted to helping young men in athletics, making sure that they were prepared for college and in helping them obtain scholarships.

On July 2, 1966 he married Verdalee B. Patrick and to this union Maury Clemente was born.

A gentle, helpful soul Emanuel had many interests:

He was a referee for several years with the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) for basketball, he coached baseball in University Park and was an Honorary Member of the University Park Recreational Boards He was the founder of the 100 Men Organization for the Village of University Park as well as the Grand Marshall for

the 11990 Labor Day Parade in University Park.

He loved to barbecue. His ribs and meats cooked outdoors will be missed by many.

He planned many family and high school reunions for his classmates and friends in Alabama. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Knoxville College Alumni Association.

A lover of music, entertaining friends was a major part of who he was.

A well-respected figure in his community, he was always involved in the creation of athletic activities for young people.

During his later years the joy of his life would become Marcus Emanuel Parker, his two-year old grandson.