Emma Lavina Parker, age 102, entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday April 4, 2011. She has lived at West Park Place for the last 10 years. She was born on a farm near Jewell Ohio to John H. Flory and Phoebe Luderman Flory on December 14, 1908, one of eight children. Her mother died when she was 9 and being the oldest daughter, Emma helped her father raise the family. At Jewell High School she played basketball. She married Joe Beabout in 1935 and they had a son, Robert. She worked at several companies over the years as receptionist and office worker and retired from Midland Ross/Surface Combustion in 1971. She served as a member and president of two women's professional clubs, a member of the Child's Conversion League and a Girl Scout leader. Joe died in 1965. She married Milton Carney in 1967 and he died in 1983. In 1984 she married Charles W. Parker. They traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and several foreign countries and lived in Florida in the winter. Branson, Missouri was their favorite place to visit since Charlie loved music and played the organ. He died in 2003. She was a charter member of Garden Park Christian Church. She taught Sunday School, served as the financial secretary for 22 years and had other ministries within the church. They honored her this past December for her service and dedication to the Lord as a charter member of the church since 1955. She also enjoyed crafts, sewing and Glee Club at West Park Place. She will always be remembered for her smile, impeccable appearance and making friends with anyone she met. She is survived by her grandchildren, Lisa (Justin) Paxton, Robert (Tiona) Beabout, Ryan (Tammy) Beabout, Russell Beabout, Michelle Beabout, and 13 great-grandchildren, half sister, May Pierson, step children, Janet (William) Stauffer, Charles (Marcia) Parker, Diane Kerner and many close friends.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Beabout in 1980; grandson, Tracy Beabout; parents; sister, Irene and brothers, Maynard, Donald, Bill, Lowell, Sie and John Jacob. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2:00-8:00 PM in Neville Funeral Home, Reynolds Corners Chapel, 5052 Dorr Street Toledo where funeral services will be held on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 10:30 AM Burial will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy may do so in her name to the Garden Park Christian Church. Condolences may be made to the family online at: www.nevillefuneralhome.com. View Guest Book
Published in Toledo Blade on April 6, 2011.