LaFern Parker's Obituary
LaFern (Heck) Parker of Broken Arrow, age 81, passed away March 19, 2018. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 4, 1937 to Jack and Bessie (Holland) Heck. She graduated from Tulsa’s Will Rogers High School in 1955 and married James Parker on September 13, 1957. LaFern returned to school to follow her passion for nursing, and in 1970, she graduated from the Tulsa Vocational School of Practical Nursing. For most of her nursing career, she worked at Hillcrest Hospital as a Labor and Delivery Nurse; after which, she worked full-time at P&M Industries, a family-owned and operated business.LaFern was an active member of the Broken Arrow Church of Christ for the past 47 years, where she enjoyed teaching the cradle roll class, chaperoning and hosting youth events, hosting Life Group, and singing hymns with her beautiful soprano voice. Her hobbies included bowling, marathon sessions of bridge, pinochle or dominos with close friends, and traveling the world. Whether in an RV or on a cruise ship, LaFern loved visiting new places in the company of her husband and friends, always careful to chronicle her memories in words and pictures. She also believed in the importance of maintaining family memories for future generations, so she began scrapbooking to memorialize the life events of each grandchild.More than anything, she loved her immediate and extended family, ensuring each member understood their roots, the significance of faith, and the importance of lasting family traditions.She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Bessie Heck; one brother, Ronald Albert Heck; and two sisters, Lillian Ann Roberts and Gaylia Marie Knox.Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, James Parker of Broken Arrow; son, Mark and daughter-in-law Karen Parker of Mounds; son, Steven and daughter-in-law Mary Parker of Tulsa; son, David and daughter-in-law Michele Parker of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Lindsay and Garrett Vanderwoude of Mounds, Andy and Molly Parker of Dallas, Kelly and Jacob Jeurjens of Chicago; Jon and Megan Parker of Edmond; Michael Parker and Hannah Parker of Tulsa; Brayden and Maggie Parker of Maryland Heights, MO, and Jaclyn, Madelyn and Kylee Parker of Columbia, MO; Six great grandchildren; one sister, Naomi Robey of Park Hill; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.The family will receive visitors on Friday, March 23rd from 4:00-8:00pm at the Floral Haven Funeral Home. Services will be held at Floral Haven’s Rose Chapel on Saturday, March 24th at 2:00pm.Friends and family who would prefer to make a memorial donation are welcomed to do so. Suggested charities include the Good News International Foundation (PO Box 471069 Tulsa 74147) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
What’s your fondest memory of LaFern?
What’s a lesson you learned from LaFern?
Share a story where LaFern's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with LaFern you’ll never forget.
How did LaFern make you smile?