Creola Parker

Creola Denise Cary Parker affectionately known as Cre was born on July 13, 1941 in Richmond, Alabama. She was the oldest of four children born to the union of the late Tuson and Leedell Moultrie Cary. Two of her brothers, Willie Benjamin and Wilson Lee preceded her in death. Creola was educated in the Brighton City School System and graduated from Brighton High School. She then matriculated at Daniel Payne College and earned an Associate of Arts. She furthered her education at Miles College receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree and later received a Master of Science degree. As an outstanding educator, she went on to earn numerous certifications. After receiving her bachelors, Cre began teaching school in Marion, Alabama. Although she loved empowering her students in Marion, she longed to be close to home. From there she went on to teach at a school much closer to home, Gardendale High School. While there she taught Chemistry and impacted the lives of countless students until she retired in 2001. Even though she retired, her love for teaching did not, and she joined the faculty at Virginia College. Cre was very active in her community and was known throughout the city and state for her leadership abilities, and contribution to the local and connectional A.M.E. Church. She was inducted into The Alabama President's Society for her dedicated political involvement both nationally and in Alabama. She accomplished much in her life, but her greatest accomplishment was the birth of her only child, Lydell Cary Parker. Creola was raised in the atmosphere of a Christian home that germinated the seed which later blossomed into her service to God and his people. Cre confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and joined Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brighton, Alabama. She served faithfully as President and life member of the Lucy Miller Missionary Society, Secretary of the Usher Board, Secretary of the Trustee Board, member of the Culinary Department of the church and former Director of the Young People's Department until her untimely death. God granted his angel her wings on Saturday, January 23, 2010.