The Life of Martha Marion Hill-Parker, 90

There will be a private Graveside Ceremony for immediate family ONLY, Monday, January 3, 2022, 1:00 PM, Mary Chapel Cemetery, Scotland Neck, NC, Elder Charlie Clark, Eulogist. Everyone is to meet at the cemetery.

Martha Marion Hill Parker (family nickname "Pete") was born to Richard Hill and Bessie
Smith Hill on November 18, 1931 in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. Martha was born tenth
in line to what would grow to be a family of 11 children for Richard and Bessie Hill. They were
a family of eight girls and three boys.

Martha attended Mary's Chapel school in Scotland Neck for grade and middle school and then
on to Brawley High School where she graduated in 1949.

Martha remained at the original home place for her early adult years, helping her family with
the daily household and farming chores. At a young age Martha took notice of the work and
sacrifice made by her parents to make sure she and her siblings had everything they needed to
be successful in whatever they chose to do. It was there on the family farm that Martha
developed her hard work ethic and "finish the job right" attitude. These are the attributes
Martha would carry throughout her life and also instill in her children and grandchildren.
Martha was at a church musical performance in 1953 when she met a young man. Her
encounter with this young man would change everything. She later learned his name to be
Willie Lee Parker. They met for the first time at this church musical and they hit it off right
away. It was love at first sight. They lived approximately ten miles apart and started their
relationship by writing letters to each other as often as they could. It didn't take long for the
couple to realize they wanted to be with each other for the rest of their lives.

In the following months Willie was drafted into the US Army and would go off to serve in the
Korean War. While away serving his country Martha and Willie would write each other
faithfully. She promised that she would be right there when he returned from his service. By the
time Willie returned from Korea Martha had moved to Washington DC to unite with some of
her siblings that had moved to the city. Willie headed that way soon after.

Shortly after arriving in Washington DC, Martha decided to pursue her lifelong ambition to
become a nurse. She began her postsecondary education at the Freedmen's Hospital Nursing
School (now Howard University Hospital). After graduating Martha would go on to work as a
nurse at a number of Washington DC area hospitals including Children's Hospital, Holy Cross
Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital.

On June 20, 1959, Martha and Willie married. They lived at 13th and Buchanan Street NW for
approximately two years before moving to Shepherd Park NW, DC in 1966 where they would
live out the rest of their lives. Martha and Willie had two children, Christopher L. Parker and
Pamela M. Parker.

Martha had a strong love for children. Her heartfelt concern and compassion for the health
and well-being of children is what made her an exceptional nurse. She would often come
home after work to talk with her family about the condition of a young patient she was
caring for at the hospital and express how badly she wanted them to recover and feel better.
Martha was always involved with her children's friends and took them in as her own. All
the friends knew they were welcome at "Ma Parker's" house as she was affectionately called
by many of the young children that would visit. Every chance she got she would ask "how
are you doing and how are your grades?" If the grades weren't up to par, you had some
explaining to do along with your plan to bring the grades up.

Martha and Willie joined Northminster Presbyterian Church in NW DC in the late 1960's.
Martha remained active in her church community for many years and many lifelong
friendships were developed from her love for her church family.

Martha's legacy will live on. Anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Martha knew that her
family and friends meant everything to her. One of her greatest joys was chatting on the
phone. If she got you on the phone, you might as well take a seat because more than likely
she would have you for some time. Often in the same conversation there would be laughter
and tearful moments of joy.

Instead of mourning, the family would like to celebrate her life; the way she lived. Martha
would ask us to gather for laughter, catching up with each other, talking and just enjoying
the simple things in life. That's what gave her joy, peace and comfort throughout her life.
Martha was very passionate about donating to her favorite charities which included the
Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture and the United
Negro College Fund. In tribute to Martha's life a donation to one of these charities or any
that works to expand our knowledge of history and culture or invests in the education of our
youth would be in the spirit of her giving nature.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Pamela; her son, Christopher and his wife Sonja;
grandchildren, Nataja, Courtney, Christopher David and Nicholas; and great grandson,
Messiah
The family sincerely thanks everyone for their love, support and comforting words.

On Friday, December 17, 2021at 2:45 PM, the Lord called Martha Marion Hill-Parker, 90 to a peaceful rest at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC.

Even though we are out side, lets follow our distancing, and facial covering guidelines.

Martha  rests in the comfort of Coleman-McGee Funeral Home & Staff...Thoughtful Professional Service Within The Means Of All...Because WE Care...