Obituary of John Wesley Parker Jr.

John Parker Wesley, Jr., son of John Wesley Parker, Sr. and Gloria Wainwright and grandson of Edgar and Hester Lane, was born September 6, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland. "Skip," as he was known by his family and friends, was a gregarious man with a zest for life. John loved his family and would take the younger children under his wing --- teaching them about life and taking them to museums or places of interest to make sure they were exposed to culture. John was educated in the Baltimore City School System, taking great pride in graduating from Edmondson High School. In addition, he matriculated at Coppin State College. He was an avid reader and passionate conversationalist, who took great joy in challenging his mind through crossword puzzles, brain teasers, and any kind of trivia. In fact, John was even interviewed to be a contestant on Jeopardy. Before he was overcome with illness, John was a Bank Manager for Wells Fargo. He was a skilled salesman for much of his life, including at Gardiners Furniture, where he met many of the Ravens football players who he befriended and brought them home for a holiday dinner. John married the love of his life, Jean, on December 14, 1996. He was a loving, protective, devoted husband and would tell anyone who would listen how much he loved his wife. He would often say "I got the best!!" He gave Jean a life of happiness. She prays that others will find a love like they had. John was baptized at Long Reach Church of God and gave his life to Christ. He loved his church, Bishop Davis and Pastor Robbie. He always sat up front so that nothing could distract him from hearing all of the message. John loved all kinds of music, but especially liked smooth jazz. He would often stop to make acquaintance with the artists he would see perform. He took delight in the accomplishments of each of his children and grandchildren and would make them known to anyone who would listen. He loved to play football on the video games with his brother-in-law, Carl and his grandsons, Te'von, Khai & Kharrington. They would spend hours together until far into the night. Jean often had to make them be quiet so that she could get some sleep. John leaves to cherish his memory -wife and best friend, Jean Parker; children, John W. Parker, III (Angela) and Brittany Parker; Bonus Children, Karen Frieson Carter (Vincent), Jacqueline Frieson Walker; grandchildren, Kenneth Davis (Dominique), Alyssa Parker, Te'von Dorsey (Monica), Tasia Pirela (Tykeen), Montria Walker, Khai Walker, Kharrington Walker; great-grandchildren, Elijah Davis, Maurice, Tyree and Myah Dorsey. John is preceded in death by his brother Darrell Wainwright, and is remembered by his siblings, Yvonne "Bonnie" Wainwright, Lisa Butler (Roy), Alicia Wallace (Carl), Derek Wainwright (Charrah), Rochelle Parker, and Sharon Parker, very close cousin, Iris Sander and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, Services for, Mr. Parker will be held at 11:30 am at Celebration Church, 7101 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD with the family receiving friends at 10:30am. The service will also be live streamed at www.wininlife.com starting at 11:20am.