Bernice Jerona Willis Parker — 4/2/1937-1/10/2025

Bernice Willis Parker peacefully went to be with the Lord on the evening of January 10, at home and in the company of her loving husband following a brief illness. She was born April 2, 1937 in Albany, Georgia as the fifth of seven surviving children of the late Reverend R.L. and Susie Mae Willis. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1954 and Spelman College in 1958. She commenced a career as an elementary school teacher in Troup County, Georgia, where she met her colleague and future husband, Pearson Parker, and wed in 1959. Her career spanned many years and locales in Georgia, prior to relocating to Fairfax County, where she taught for another 20 years before retiring in 1992.

She and her family joined Bethlehem Baptist Church some fifty years ago, where she narrated the Christmas and Easter drama presentations put on with her husband for holiday services. After retiring, she continued using her talents to tutor youth members, judge the church’s annual oration contests, and act as an officer of the Gum Springs Historical Society. She took great pleasure in globetrotting and dancing with her husband, gardening, oil painting, and participating in a book discussion group at Kingstowne Senior Center. Bernice was also a lifelong fitness enthusiast, and exercised regularly on her own and with groups at Curves, of which she and a group of members were part owners, before moving on to Belle View Snap Fitness, which she attended up until her terminal diagnosis.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters Willie Clyde DeWalt (Sydney), Laura Mae Perry (Willie), Hilda Chavers (Alvin Sr.), Dr. Aureatha Flowers (Ealie); brothers Israel Willis and Dr. Isaac Willis (Aline); brother-in-law Dr. Edgar Parker Sr.; sister-in-law Rosalind Parker; niece Andrea Chiver (née Burruss); and nephews Alvin Chavers Jr., Kenneth Chavers, and Everett Perry Sr.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 65 years, Pearson Parker Sr., as well as children Pearson Parker Jr. (Darnella), Dr. Bernard Parker (Cynthia), and Dr. Susie Goolsby (Jack); grandchildren Langley, Crystal, and Renée Parker, and Joelle and Parker Goolsby; sisters-in-law Mona Parker and Emily Reed; brother-in-law Dr. Gregg Parker and wife Merita; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Bernice’s loss is deeply felt — yet the free-spiritedness, faith, generosity, unwavering loyalty to family, and abiding devotion to her husband that define her memory will live on in all those who knew and loved her.

Her Homegoing memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church (7836 Fordson Rd #401, Alexandria, VA 22306) on Friday, January 17, 11:00 a.m. All those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate Bernice’s life are welcome to attend.