Margaret Hazel (Johnson) Parker

All is Well with my Soul

I can Shout, Hallelujah!

All is well, all is well, all is well

King Jesus fixed it so my soul

Can Shout, Hallelujah

All is well, all is well, all is well.

Mrs. Margaret Hazel Parker, known to many as “Jakie”, was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on January 10, 1945, through the lineage of the late Curtis Albert Johnson and Ruth Watts Johnson.  

Margaret began her Christian walk at the Antioch Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas and was baptized at an early age.  Later in life, she united with the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Longview, Texas.  Margaret was not just a member, but she was a dedicated and loyal worker in many, many capacities.    She was excited about kingdom building within Mount Olive and faithfully endeavored for the advancement of the church.  Margaret was a Deaconess and served as past president of the Women’s Missionary Department, Assistant Sunday School teacher, Chairperson for the Program/Planning Committee and Director of Christian Education.

She obtained her formal education and was an honor student in the Nacogdoches School District.  She later went on to accept her Bachelor of Arts degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1966 majoring in English and minoring in History.  In May of 1970, she was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Inc.  Margaret continued her studies and graduated in 1971 from Stephen F. Austin State University with a master’s degree in Education.  She was certified in all levels as a Professional Supervisor and a Professional Administrator.  

Margaret had a strong belief in education and set quite the example for many.  She taught English in the Nacogdoches ISD and later went on to become a Graduate Assistant and Project Philemon Consultant at Stephen F. Austin State University. Margaret continued to share her knowledge of education when she joined the Longview Independent School District.  During her tenure there, she held positions as Director of Compensatory Education, Director of Instruction, Director of Special Programs and finally retired in 1999 after serving as Principal from J. L. Everhart Primary School for 10 years.

Margaret was very involved and spent countless hours volunteering in her community.  She has held positions on the Citizens Advisory Board for Bank One, City Library Board Member, United Way Board Member, LeTourneau University President’s Advisory Board, City Council PTA, Longview Arts Council, Mental Health Association, Drug Task Force, Minority Recruiter for  for Meals on Wheels,  Martha’s Kitchen and Longview Community Ministries,  Past President/Member of the Longview Zonta Club, Founder of the Longview Women’s Commission as well as President and Founder of Community Challenge, Inc.  

She has received numerous awards and honors which include the 2004 Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award, a Book Club named in her honor at J. L. Everhart Primary School, recognition as Distinguished Unsung Heroine of the New Millennium, Jarvis Christian College Distinguished Alumni, Longview Women’s Commission founding member, Longview Regional Medical Center as one of the first Stars Over Longview, Longview News Journal as One of the People Who Makes a Difference (an article written exemplifying Compassion).

Margaret met the love of her life, Mr. Gene LaRue Parker and married him on July 1, 1967.  To this wonderful union, the “Parker Boys” were born.  

Like her mother “Mama Ruth”, Margaret was so full of love and had no limit to the amount of kindness that she would bestow upon others.  She loved to cook, and “everyone” was always welcome to partake.  Any food that was left, she would wrap up for you to take with you.  She enjoyed writing and has several pieces in her memoirs.  She was “The Boss” of everyone at home and freely gave her advice or opinion to family and close friends without hesitation. Margaret was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Out of all her achievements in this life, her greatest accomplishment was knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior.  

On Saturday, June 5, 2021, Margaret quietly and peacefully departed this earthly life.  As she walked into that beautiful light, she was welcomed by her parents, and her siblings Nadine Johnson and Virtee Johnson.

Fond memories will be treasured by her devoted husband of 54 years, Gene Parker; two sons, E’tian Larue Parker and Damon (Ericka) Parker, both of Austin, Texas; one granddaughter, Karielle Parker of Houston, Texas; a special nephew/son, The Reverend Fredrick (Joyce) Rusk of Longview, Texas; one brother, Robert (Eva) Johnson and one sister, Frances Rusk all of Houston, Texas; two god-daughters, Jocelynn Rusk and Kirsten (Darius) Valentine, of Longview, Texas; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and many dear friends who will miss her tremendously.

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