Leola Parker, of Boston, MA, passed away August 19, 2025, at the Worcester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.

Born in West Helena, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Pearlie (Sims) Parker.  She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly T. Lincoln of East Providence; granddaughter Skylah L. Lincoln; and siblings: Rollid Anderson, Clarence Parker, Maxine Miller, Merlene Moore, Louise Parker, and Shirley Tillman.

Leola was predeceased by her siblings: Eveliner (Evelyn) Harris and Bernard Parker, Jr.

Leola graduated from Eliza Miller High School, the first African American high school in the area, and later obtained her Certified Nurse Assistant license upon moving to Boston in the 1970’s.  Leola held a variety of positions throughout her life, including being employed as a call center agent at AT&T and as a bus monitor for the Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in West Roxbury, MA, as a way to spend more time with her daughter.  Most notably, she was the Activities Director for Ann’s Rest Home in Dorchester, MA, and Fairmount Nursing in Hyde Park, MA, before retiring.

Leola was most proud to be a devout parishioner of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Boston for 20 years. Church was her favorite pastime. Leola was a God-fearing woman who read her Bible daily and prayed without ceasing. She sang tenor in the choir and attended Bible study every Wednesday night. Leola volunteered in their food pantry, preparing food bags for families in need throughout the Boston area when it was offered, every third Saturday of the month until her diagnosis.

Leola enjoyed meeting people and being able to make a difference in their lives. Time spent with her daughter was of utmost importance to her. Being able to help others is what she found most rewarding. She enjoyed cooking, reading, going for long walks, and quiet time meditating and reflecting on events in her life. She believed that every moment of one’s life is special and should be treasured and enjoyed.

Psalms 32:7 KJV Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.