Gloria Bedawn Willis Parker

Gloria Bedawn Willis Parker was born November 5, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana to her parents Ruth and John Wesley Willis, Sr. Gloria fell in love and married her best friend and lover Robert “Barefootin” Parker. To this union she gave birth to eight children: Debra Willis, Edward Anderson, Robert Parker, Jr., Andrea Wilson, Nathaniel Parker, Michelle Smith, Emanuel Parker and Tanya Parker. Gloria was a faithful member of Peck United Methodist Church for many years. She was a family woman who cared about everyone God put in her path. Gloria was a mentor, a counselor, a loving and caring mother and grandmother and a friend to all her children. She loved and treated them all the same never putting one above the other. She sacrificed so much and did whatever it took to help her children succeed, all while encouraging them to stay prayed up and focused. Our family had many gatherings for any occasion, birthdays, holidays, births and even “just because”. She loved cooking and hosting family gatherings . She was the life of the party. Moms really loved her grands and great grands—she hugged, kissed and played with them all the time. She especially enjoyed visiting the homes of all her children and grandchildren and traveling with her family. She was affectionately and lovingly called “Moms and MawMaw” by so so many. Her home was always a home for anyone who needed a place go—her children, nieces, nephews, and friends were all welcomed. Her door was always open and food was never a problem. We will forever remember her catch phrase “Caldonia Oh Caldonia” , she would clown around by calling everyone Caldonia. Gloria was vibrant until the end and we will miss her dearly and will continue to celebrate her life. Caldonia lives on… She was preceded in death by her parents John Wesley, Sr. and Ruth Willis; former husband Robert Parker, Sr.; five sisters Marguerite Bourgeois, Yolanda Cross, Lois Lawrence, Ruth Willis , and Shirley Mae Willis; two brothers John Wesley Willis, Jr., Wilbert Willis, Sr., and Robert Emile Willis, Sr.; one grandson Raheem Laurent and one son in law Byrish Ray Wilson, Sr. To cherish fond memories, she is survived by four devoted daughters Debra Willis, Andrea Wilson, Michelle (Horace) Smith and Tanya Parker all of New Orleans, Louisiana; four caring sons Edward Anderson, Robert (Linda) Parker, Nathaniel (Burnett) Parker, Emanuel (Criste) Parker all of New Orleans; 22 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 2 great, great grandchildren; one sister Jerrelyn (Richard) Verret; a very special niece Pagalyn Bourgeois; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church members and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 3501 N. Miro Street on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue.

Gloria Bedawn Willis Parker

July 27, 2020