Eva M. Parker-Bey

A Time To Be Born 

On March 15, 1931 Eva Parker Bey was born in Allendale, South Carolina to the parents Mr. and Mrs. Lenwood and Nollie Belle Young. She was the second oldest of five children. 

A Time To Plant 

Eva received her education in the Allendale school system. Much of her youth was spent assisting her father on their family farm, alongside her cherished pig, Ruby. She later pursued a career as a beautician, which deepened her love for helping others. In her later years, Eva shared her talents and spiritual gift of creating a nurturing environment by transforming houses into homes. As a housekeeper for several families, she utilized her remarkable cleaning skills to build a comfortable life for herself.

A Time To Grow:

In 1947, Eva wed her late husband, Curtis (CJ) Parker Jr., in Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they were blessed with three children: Dorothy, Eric, and Carolyn. Following Curtis's passing, Eva chose to embark on a new journey, setting her sights on the bustling city of New York. After establishing herself there, she moved to nearby Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she met and married Udraka Ward Bey in 1961. From this union, they welcomed two children, Diane and DeMarie. They remained married until Udraka’s death in 2006.

A Time To Cherish

Eva was Eva was a dedicated member of North Providence Baptist Church for over 50 years, having been invited by her long-time friend Mother Mattie Mimms. It was in this sacred space that Eva was honored as a Mother of the church, known for her distinctive hand squeezes and the sound of her communion cup cracking. Within this community, she formed many meaningful and lasting friendships with fellow congregants, including Deacon Theodore Hollister, Mother Hattie (Pattie) Hollister, Deacon William Shaw, Mother Alice Coles, and Mother Lucille Kennedy. Guided by her dear friend and confidant, Rev. Morris Kennedy, Eva nurtured her love for Christ. She lovingly gave nicknames to those she held dear, such as “Minute,” “Legs,” “Man,” “Tee,” “MuffahJaw,” and “White Boy.” Known for her resourcefulness, with her fun-loving, comedic personality, she made the most of what little she had and generously shared it with others. A beloved cook, she was especially famous for her delicious pearl rice and collard greens. She took joy in preparing meals 7 days a week for her friends, family, and even strangers, always ensuring that anyone who visited her home left with a full stomach, a to-go plate, and a smile. 

A Time To Depart

On Friday, March 7, 2025, at 8:41 a.m., God, in His infinite wisdom, called Eva home to eternal peace and rest. Eva spent her final days immersed in love with her children by her side. 

A Time to Mourn:

Preceding Eva in death are her father, Lenwood Young; mother, Nollie Belle Young; brother, Lee Young; and sisters, Beulah Jenkins and Claretha Downs. She is also preceded by her son, Eric Parker, and grandson, Kwayn Parker. Eva leaves behind to cherish her memory daughters Dorothy (Wilbur) Giddens, Carolyn Parker, Diane Bey, DeMarie Bey, Linda Bonner, and DaVonne (Hillary Hudson) Bey; sons Harold (Ethel) Mayfield and Gerald (Janet) Parker; and eleven grandchildren: Starr Giddens, Cassandra Cartwright, Nicole Brant, Shea Leah, Joseph Bonner, Wendell Thompson, Maurice Thompson, Diane Ramsey, Robin Bey, Faith Dodson-Bey, and Stefanie Felder. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Daquan Outting, Deshan Kennedy, Willie Parker, Precious Parker, Alyssa (Jason) Tobon, Janei Hudson, Tyrell Halm, Taylor Bonner, and Zion Bey. One brother, Nathaniel Young; honorary brother, Donald Young; godchildren Linda Switchett and Leonard Kennedy; and a host of nieces and nephews, particularly her close nephew, Donald Young, along with family and friends. Eva was the matriarch of the family, the foundation upon which we all stood, learned and grew from her wisdom, love, guidance, protection and prayers. She was our rock and our spiritual covering as she was truly a praying mother. She will be deeply missed. 

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