The funeral service for Steve Parker will be Noon, on Friday, January 10, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 9, at Riverwood Family, in Brookhaven, MS, and will resume on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at St. Matthew’s UMC, in Madison, MS.
Stephen (Steve) Ray Parker, died on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025, surrounded by his family at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
Steve was born on March 7, 1956, in Laurel, Mississippi to Reverend Paul and Pauline Parker. He was welcomed by his older brothers, Mike and David Parker.
Steve graduated from Franklin High School (Meadville, Mississippi) in 1974 and the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978. In high school, he was a member of the high school band, where he was 1st chair trumpet. He was also a member of the prestigious Mississippi Lions’ All-State Band. Steve was a gifted musician and continued his love for music at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), where he continued to excel as a member of the, “Pride of the Mississippi” marching band and was a member of Kappa Kappa Si music fraternity and held office of President of the USM band. He marched in President Carter’s inaugural parade in 1976.
After graduation from college, Steve held several professional positions. These include being a part of the family funeral and insurance businesses (Franklin Funeral and Brookhaven Funeral Home). He was also a popular restaurateur, having founded, along with Barbara, a well-known and highly successful business, The Parker House Restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Later, Steve went into public service and worked as Deputy Director of the State of MS Pharmacy Board, where he retired in 2021. Steve became a part of the Riverwood Family in Brookhaven from 2021 until December 2023.
While his professional career and music were important components of his life, it was in 1980 that Steve became smitten with the love of his life, Barbara Ann Jones, and they were married on January 10, 1981. The hallmarks of trust, respect and commitment underscored their marriage, and they were partners for life. Steve understood and lived out his faith, most especially in loving his family and understanding God’s meaning of “neighbor,” specifically that when he and Barbara were aware of or sensed unmet needs, they helped, as they could and did so in a quiet, consistent manner, away from any spotlight. To say that Steve was incredibly proud of Barbara and their children-- Laura Parker Rivera and Graham Parker—and grandchildren is an understatement. Just the mention of their names always brought a smile and such joy into Steve’s life and the perfect prelude to “let me tell you about….”
Steve was a member of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church and served through several ministries such as men’s small group, mission trips, and outreach.
Steve was known as a genuine, steadfast friend who cared deeply for family, extended family, friends and colleagues, near and far. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved to laugh and lighten the load of others through music and laughter. Steve was gifted at doing this with his own antics and practical jokes throughout his life. Despite Steve’s own health concerns, particularly over the last two years, he spent time over the summer 2024 planning and participating in Franklin High School Class of 1974’s 50th reunion held in November 2024.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Parker. He leaves his wife of almost 44 years, Barbara Jones Parker, daughter Laura Parker Rivera (Maynor); son, Graham Parker (Jordan) and grandchildren (Gabriel and Allegra Rivera; Annie and Finn Parker); brothers, Mike Parker (Rosemary) and David Parker (Wanda) and nieces and nephews. Through his family and friends, he leaves a legacy of faith, laughter and goodness.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to St. Matthew’s UMC, Jubilee Fund, 7427 Old Canton Rd, Madison, MS 39110.
