Josephine (Jo) (Johnson) Parker

Josephine (Jo) Johnson Parker of Commerce, Texas stepped into heaven on March 8, 2015 at that age of 89.

Jo was born to Phillip Ray Johnson and Elsie Braden Johnson on August 17, 1925 on a farm near Elliott Iowa.  She was one of seven children.  Siblings include brothers Carl, Dan, Milo, and Win. Sisters were Marjorie and Effie Belle.  Jo grew up in rural Iowa and graduated from Oakland Public School in 1943.  She moved from Elliott to Hastings, NE and worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot.  While there, she met Walter Ervin Parker.  They were engaged on February 6, 1945.  While Walt was serving in the US Army, Jo returned to Elliott as a school teacher.  Walt and Jo were married August 28, 1948 at the First Chirstian Church/Disciples of Christ in Elliott, IA.  They enjoyed 66 wonderful years together.

Upon Walt's graduation from the University of Nebraska, they moved to Fort Worth, TX in 1952.  Jobs took them to Sherman, TX, Dallas, TX, Oklahoma City, OK and Commerce, TX.

Jo was blessed with a wonderful family.  Her four sons and their families inculde: Walter James (Jim) and wife Carrie, William Edward (Bill) and wife Judy, Donald Ray (Don) and wife Jan, and Dale Ervin and wife Kathy.  Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Laura Kennedy and husband Scott, Lindsay Parker and husband Pete Joerger, Aaron Parker and wife Lindsey, Jameson Parker, Regan Parker, Connor Parker and great grandchildren: Parker Thomas Kennedy, Rylee Marye Kennedy and Josiah Charles Joerger.

While living in Commerce, TX Jo worked for Russell Shoe Store, White and Martin Hospital, Sears Catalog Store and East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce) in the Library.  Jo also attended East Texas State University, securing an Associate Degree in Business Administration.

Both Walt and Jo retired from East Texas State University on January 31, 1991.  They took to the road in their RV, spending the next 13 winters in Mesa, Arizona visiting friends and relatives.  Their RV travels took them to 48 states.

In retirement, Jo joined a group known as "Retreads", made up of several active and retired employees from the University Library.  She enjoyed the fellowship of that wonderful group.

Funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1790 Highway 50, Commerce on 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Interment will be Thursday, March 12, 2015 in the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Pallbearers are grandchildren and/or spouses

Honorary pallbearers are the "Retreads" and their spouses

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the following:
First United Methodist Church, 1790 Highway 50, Commerce, TX 75428
Lagacy Hospice, 120 E. South Town Drive, Tyler, TX 75703