Gregory DeVon Parker

" In lieu of flowers or plants the family is requesting all monetary and other gifts be forwarded to them directly."

Monetary Donations can be sent through VENMO:@RinaJD or Paypal:  fredrinajd@gmail.com

 Gregory Devon (Greg) was born at home, in his grandma Lucille’s house on February 4th 1969 in Conway (Hell’s Neck/”The Neck”) SC. From the beginning Greg was blessed to have a special connection with his elders as he was delivered by his maternal grandma Lucille, and two great aunts Neiva and Margie. As his mother’s 4th child, Greg was affectionately called “knee baby”. His early years were spent in The Neck with his older siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. At age 6, Greg moved to Newark, New Jersey with his mom and two of his older siblings.  After only a few years there, the family moved to Ossining, New York with Greg’s stepfather the late Fred C. Jones. The greater part of Greg’s life was spent in Ossining and the surrounding areas where he matriculated through the school system. Greg was a student at Ossining High School where played football for a short time, until he was injured. Greg also attended BOCES vocational high school where he learned many trades, including auto shop, baking and wood shop. Greg had many talents and was known as a Jack of all trades. More than anything  Greg was a gifted driver and loved to travel. It was that love that would take him across many states, and through many climates. You never knew which state he’d make his home. In his adult life Greg was regularly called upon to move, chauffeur, or accompany family and friends on distant trips, until he was no longer physically able. In 2008, Greg took a trip to Charlottesville VA with his cousin Shone that would permanently ground him. After a brief visit Greg decided to stay and Charlottesville became his home. Not so long after his relocation Greg met his long-time special friend Melissa and they formed a strong bond. Through ups and downs Melissa stuck with Greg as they helped each other weather storms and overcome adversity.

In August of 2019, after having suffered multiple strokes, Greg was hospitalized and underwent life altering surgery. It was at this time that his family was informed that Greg would not be able to return to his home or function as they once knew him. Despite his limitations Greg was headstrong and kept a smile on his face. He never lost hope. Although he couldn’t engage as much as he once did, until very recently, Greg enjoyed weekly video calls with his family where they’d walk down memory lane spreading much joy. On October 12th after a long battle with Covid pneumonia Greg would succumb to his illness and the battle was over. Greg was a fighter, with a heart of gold. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and not take thought for himself.  He was a tremendous support to his family and friends and will be especially remembered for the influential part he played in his brother James’ entrepreneurial journey.

He was preceded in death by his mother Francis Elease Parker Jones, his father Dolfus Gerald, stepfather Fred C. Jones, maternal grandmother Lucille Parker and older brother Angelo Washington. Greg is lovingly remembered by His siblings Yvonne Gloston (John),Charlotte NC, James Parker (Tyjuana), Haverstraw NY, Fredrina Jones-Dorceus (Terelle), Philadelphia PA, Lonita Johnson, Conway SC; Five nieces: Jasmine Washington Johnson (Miracah), Jameisha Parker, Chloe Olivia Gloston, Amahlah Dorceus and Lonisha Johnson; Five nephews: Jarrell Parker, Terelle R J Dorceus, Jonathan Gloston, Jamus McCray, and Taurez Johnson. A loving friend of many years, Melissa Blakey; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Special thanks to : our cousin Shone Parker and his wife Kisha for all the love and support of our brother Greg during the to ugh times.

Church Resolution of Respect

For Gregory Devon Parker

Though your days among us were too brief and our grief at your loss is never ending, we draw comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in the Lord and in our hearts, where no darkness or pain can touch you now. We bless you with love, light and gratitude.

We the Officers & members of the First Baptist Church, of Spring Valley, feels that it is befitting to express our sincere sympathy. We want the family to know that our hearts are with you as you gather to bid a Christian farewell to Gregory Devon Parker

WHEREAS, Gregory Devon Parker was very much loved by his family and friends. and cared for by all those who knew him. He was very talented and always willing to help anyone that needed his help. He was headstrong and kept a smile on his face. He was a fighter and had a heart of gold. He was a tremendous support to his family and friends and will be missed deeply. We were blessed by him and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him.

WHEREAS, the passing of our beloved Gregory Devon Parker is Heaven’s Gain and there is a human tie that has been broken which bleeds the heart in agony and pain. Be encouraged and consoled in the words of Jesus who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake them”

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, we bow in humble submission to Him who never makes a mistake and remind the family to be encouraged. Jesus holy scriptures and his holy words teaches us to not let our hearts be weary. God is love.

John, Chapter 14, verses 1 - 3: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in me.

"In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Humbly submitted, the 26th Day of October 2021

The Officers and Members of the First Baptist Church, Spring Valley

Reverend Dr. Weldon McWilliams Jr., Pastor