Betty Jean "Tina" Moore Parker's Obituary
Mrs. Betty Jean "Tina" Parker, age 93, passed quietly at Haven Hospice in Gainesville on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 10:37am. She joined her husband, Flake Allan Parker, and is survived by her daughter Karen Parker Massey and son Kenneth Allan Parker, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Tina was the daughter of George Lorenzo Moore and Maude Aline Phillips of Jacksonville, FL. She was born in Jacksonville, February 22, 1922 and attended Andrew Jackson High School. She married Flake Allan Parker of Charlotte, NC, September 15, 1941. The couple briefly resided in Tallahassee, FL until Flake was called into service in 1944.
Tina and daughter Karen returned to Jacksonville until Flake was released from service in 1947. Upon the birth of their son in March of 1948 they moved to Gainesville where Flake opened and ran Parker's Office Equipment Company for over 50 years. Upon their retirement they moved to Keystone Heights in the late 1980's.
Tina was a housewife, mother, and social matron. While in Jacksonville she had the opportunity to study with Jean Davis, renowned Florida sculptress. Tina was a credible artist and sculptress in her own right. She was also well known for her skill as a poetess.
She served as President of the Gainesville Garden Club and the Gainesville Women's club. She was a registered International Parliamentarian and Lifetime Florida Flower Show Judge. She was a member of the Esther class at the First Baptist Church until it was disbanded. She was a Life Member of the Eastern Star, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Daughters of the Magna Carta. She also served on the Lady Bird Johnson "Beautify America" campaign. She was a Gator Booster for over 60 years and she and Flake established a football scholarship in their name.
Tina was a true southern lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m., in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. Interment will follow in Memorial Park East. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tina's name to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606.
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