Cissy Parker

Cissy Parker left this world for a better one on September 18, 2008 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This remarkable woman loved life, loved her family and especially loved her Lord.

Born on July 13, 1922 in Dallas, to William C. and Hattie L. McDaniel, she and her sister Polly were raised in Cisco, Texas, where they received their primary education.

Cissy graduated from John Tarleton Junior College in Stephenville, Texas, where she was a cheerleader and Regimental Sponsor. She then enrolled at The University of Texas in Austin, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Spooks Club and was a Bluebonnet Belle nominee. Cissy graduated in 1944 with a degree in physical education.

It was at UT where Cissy met her husband-to-be, Bob Parker. They married on December 26, 1944. A young Army wife during wartime, Cissy taught school while Bob was stationed overseas. Following his discharge, Bob began work at Parker Drilling Company and the Parkers lived in the oilfields of Mississippi and in Midland, Texas. In 1949, with new son Robert Jr., Bob and Cissy moved to Tulsa, where they have since made their home.

The joy of Cissy's life has been her family, including son Bob and his wife, Risa, daughter Carol, and daughter Debra and her husband Phil Hinch. Grandchildren include Robb Parker, Austin Parker, Kimberly Adams, Ashley and Dave Blazer, Jamey Adams, Julie Adams, Christy and Rick Parker, Hailey Hinch, Bradi Hinch, Brooke Hinch, Cara Parker-Jordan and John Jordan. Great grandchildren include Haley Parker, Riley Parker and Mae Blazer.

A favorite retreat for Cissy and her family was her beloved Texas Hill Country. The Parkers' Cypress Springs Ranch, near Kerrville, was a second home and site of many family vacations and holidays.

Cissy loved her First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. She and Bob were members of the Joynor Class and served in many leadership positions within the church. Cissy quietly served her Lord by helping individuals and groups like youth choir and Sunday School classes. She was past-president of United Methodist Women and Priscilla Circle leader. Never seeking the limelight, she was a cheerleader for others and was deeply respected by those who loved and knew her.

In the community, Cissy was a member of the state board of the Frances E. Willard Home for Girls and served in leadership roles for Children's Day Nursery, Cerebral Palsy Association, YMCA of Greater Tulsa, Chapter EG of PEO, Seed & Sod Garden Club, and Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was also a member of the Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Republican Women's Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and Tri Psi. Cissy also served on the Advisory Council of the College of Education at the University of Texas. In 1997, the Parkers' lifetime achievements were recognized with the Hope Award by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma Chapter.

Cissy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister and her beloved daughter, Carol.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK at 2 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2008.

Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. Those wishing to provide a memorial are asked to contribute to the Provident Fund at First United Methodist Church.