Will Parker Jr

Will Parker, Jr.

Born January 27, 1943 in Birmingham, AL

Transitioned to his heavenly home July 30, 2022

His parents Annie and Will Parker (both deceased)

Moved to Rockford, IL when Will was young.

He went to school there, graduation from

East High School where he lettered in track + field

Winning many medals and 1st place trophies. He enlisted

In the Air Force soon after graduation and 

Served the country for 5 years. Reconnecting

With the love of his life, Jacqueline Sharber, they 

Were married on August 10, 1968, marriage of almost 54 years,

They later moved to Minneapolis, MN where they were

Blessed with four children- Jeffrey, Jerome, Jakayla, and Shemere. 

One staple of Will’s life has been his faith and belief in 

Jesus Christ. He accepted Christ while young joining

Pilgrim Baptist Church, Rockford, IL and serving as

An usher and boy scout leader. Upon moving

One of the 1st things he and Jacki did was to unite

With a like-minded church for their continued

Spiritual growth. They united with Zion Baptist Church, 

Became Youth Ministry leaders and sang in the

Inspirational Choir also participating in Sunday School and 

Bible studies. When he moved his membership to

Oakland Ave Methodist Church, which later became

Living Spirit UMC, he met new friends, helped out in

The kitchen ministry, as a greeter, and pulpit conductor, 

And sang in the choir again. It was there that the group “Leap of Faith” formed. 

Will sang with them for about 10 years before the group disbanded. 

He said, “That experience was one of the best of my life!”. 

In Rockford, Will worked at a local factory, which closed, 

And he found himself working for a group of doctors 

performing autopsies. When we moved to Minneapolis, he

Continued in the medical field, 1st at Children’s

Hospital in Minneapolis, and then over 25 years at

Fairview Southdale Hospital in CSR-choosing and supplying

Instruments for surgical cases. He served on the

Diversity committee there and also mentored many of the

 young black workers and people of color. 

His pride and joy was his family, of whom he was very protective. 

His love, joy and amazement at the birth and adoption of his 

Children and grandchildren was unfathomable!

Very involved in his children’s education he served on 

the PTA advisory board for Northrup School in Minneapolis.

One thing he always regretted was not being able to help his

Brother Robert care for their mother after she got sick.

He also enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and camping. He and Jacki

 were long time members of the Twin City Campers Club and

Enjoyed many outings with them. He also took bi-yearly 

Trips to Bill’s cabin with his friends.

He was also predeceased by nephew, Nate Perry, many brothers 

And sisters-in-law, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.

But He has lived a long and fruitful life.

His memory, accomplishments and love will always be a part

Of our lives- his wife, Jacki; his children, Jeff (Keisha), Jerome, 

Jakayla and Davina; His brother Robert (Bertha); 12 grandchildren

Jaelynne, Nikayla,Jeon, Nikko, Jamelia, Tatyanna, DeNaji, Dejanae, Jazmere, 

Oliver Jr.,Omarion and Demari, his nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. 

 

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