It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Jerry's passing on February 10th, one day before his 85th birthday. I now will live with memories of 64 wonderful years of marriage. I could always depend on Jerry for his loyalty, faithfulness, support and love.

The best gifts he ever gave me were our three incredible children, Jeff (Laur), Jay and Jill; eight grandchildren (that I called the dessert of life) Brandt, Ashleigh, Dakota, Dana, Michaela, Jamie, Ana and Amanda; followed by eleven great-grandchildren, Mila and Caden, Logan, Ryker and Maverick, Olivia (due in May), Colten, Nash and Tipp, and Raelynn and Everett.

Jerry and I often said that even though we were never rich financially, we were millionaires with family and friends.

Jerry was born in 1941 in the Winston-Salem Baptist Hospital to John Robert Parker, Sr. and Mary Sink Parker. Thank goodness for me his dad decided to move the family to Newport News to work until he retired from the shipyard.

Jerry and his brother were very close brothers. Jerry told me one time that he and Bobby (John) had never had an argument once they were grown.

Jerry and I were Hampton High School sweethearts and were married in 1961. He then began his work history, first as a tile setter apprentice, then at the Newport News Shipyard for 6 years, followed by sales and service at Kashouty VW, Mega Mazda, Suttle Motors and finally Copeland Toyota.

As I say, "I will miss him forever" but he was very ill and since he loved our Lord, he is now loving life in Heaven.

Our family will honor Jerry with a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 7th at 11 am in the chapel of The Lighthouse Church (formerly Parkview Baptist and Crossroads Community churches). A luncheon and time of visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.