Irene Parker

Irene Catherine (Back) Parker

In the early morning of May 6, 2019, Irene passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gloria Barr, at the age of 97. She was born September 22, 1921 to Susanne Melanie Kosch and Jean Pierre Back in Mamer, Luxembourg.  She came to America as a war bride and moved around the country, even going to France with her military husband and family before retiring in Selma, AL for the majority of her life.

Irene is survived by her two daughters, Marie (Terry) Cunningham of Prattville, AL; Gloria Barr of Montgomery, AL; a son, Daniel (Sara) Parker of Prattville, AL; seven grandchildren, Ronnie (Tia) Barr of Anniston, AL; Thereassa (Ken) McDaniel of Tallassee, AL; Melissa Cunningham of Prattville, AL; John Cunningham of Prattville, AL; Steven Parker of Prattville, AL; Adrian Parker of Prattville, AL; and Heather (Joel) Lambert of Montgomery, AL; six great-grandchildren, Karl, Kyle, Katherine, and Koen McDaniel, and Braxton and Donovan Barr; a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and Canada.

Irene was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Braxton Milton Parker; a son, Johnnie Sylvester Parker; a son-in-law Jerry Demone Barr; two sisters and their spouses, Yvonne-Anna (John-Peter) Nilles and Marcella-Sophia (Josy) Jadot and one brother, Rene Back.

Irene was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who ran a licensed daycare from her home.  She was a devoted Catholic who volunteered often at the church.  She always had a smile, a helping hand and a word of comfort for everyone.  She adored the children that she baby-sat along the way.  They were an integral part of her life and she spoke of them all the way until the end.

Family will receive friends at Lawrence-Brown Funeral Home on May 10, 2019 from 6-8 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace on May 11, 2019 at 10:00 am. with graveside services to follow at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma.  There will be a reception at Our Lady Queen of Peace following the service in the Blue Room.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Barr, John Cunningham, Steven Parker, Adrian Parker, Kenneth McDaniel, Karl McDaniel and Kyle McDaniel.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Robert Boatner.  Mrs. Parker will be laid to rest at New Live Oak Cemetery, in Selma, AL between her loving husband and her adored son.