Deacon Flora Lee McClendon-Parker

MCCLENDON-PARKER ~  Flora Lee McClendon-Parker was born in Jacksonville, Florida April 24, 1941 to Handy and Georgia McClendon.  She was educated in the Duval County Public School System.  After graduating from New Stanton High School Class of 1959, she furthered her education at Edward Waters College.  Flora then relocated to Atlantic City, New Jersey where she continued her education and received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at Glassboro State College.  At a later date, she received her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Rowan State University in Supervision and Curriculum.

 Flora was united in holy matrimony June 26, 1976, to Donald Parker of Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, Flora joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey under the leadership of Pastor Sanders.  She was a faithful member and servant for over twenty years.  Flora served as Chairman of the Deaconess Board over ten years.  Also, she was active in the Pastor’s Aid Ministry and Children’s Ministry.

 In 2001, Flora and Donald Parker relocated back to Jacksonville, Florida.  In the same year they joined Bethel
Baptist Institutional Church.  Flora served on the Deacon Board; she also served as Chairman of the Keenagers Ministry and on the Birthday Ministry.

Flora departed this life November 18, 2019, at 4:42 p.m. at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida where she was surrounded by her loving family.  She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Torrence McClendon.  Flora is survived by her loving husband of fifty-five years of marriage, Donald Parker; loving children, Felicia C. Noel-McClendon (Ricardo), Calvin L. McClendon (Cynthia), Clarese L. McClendon, Sean J. Parker; grandchildren & great-grandchildren; sister, Lauree Wilkens; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

 Accomplishments ~ Flora Parker who wrote under the pen name AROLF; her first book of poetry which was “EMOTIONS”, WAS PUBLISHED BY Watermark Press.  She had two poems published as a collection of poetry, one being in the National Library of Poetry titled “Of Diamonds and Rust” – 1989 edition.  In 1990, she also published a poem entitled “Old Glory” which she received recognition from President George W. Bush, Sr.

Professional Affiliations ~ Flora had many professional accolades, some of which were being a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the National Education Association, Atlantic County Chapter of Political Congress of Black Women, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club, Inc., The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Delta Delta Chapter, Atlantic City & Jacksonville Florida Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a member of the Florida Association of Retired Teachers.  Flora was a national member of The Smithsonian Association and a member of The New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; she also served on numerous other committees.

Celebration of Life of Deacon Flora Lee McClendon-Parker will be Friday, November 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., Lead Pastor; Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., Pastor Emeritus.  Family will receive friends Wednesday at The Soutel Chapel from 5 – 7 PM.  Because of the love of her family arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Service, 904.924.9400

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