Anthony Jerome Parker

Anthony Jerome Parker of Suffolk, Virginia entered eternal rest on September 30, 2023 at his residence. He was born on October 11, 1953 to the late Gladys and Joseph Parker. His son Deshawn Parker, daughter Shanell Reid preceded Anthony in death along with three brothers.

Anthony was born and raised in (Orlando) Suffolk Virginia. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1972. From there he enlisted in the United States Army during his active service he received many accolades as the “TOP DOG” Recruiter. Anthony served 22 years and retired in 1994 as a First Sergeant. After retirement, he had several jobs until he found his passion for being a car sales representative at Greenbrier Volkswagen for four years until he became employed with Mike Duman Auto Sales as a car sales representative where he was recognized several times as being The Top salesperson before becoming the Finance Manager until his death.

 Anthony was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church the House of Bread. He was a Mason for many years. He was an AVID Dallas Cowboys Fan his entire life. Anthony always encouraged everyone that he met and came in contact with to be and do their best to become the best. He was small in stature but was such a gentle giant. He loved with his whole heart and the love he shared with his family, coworkers, friends and customers will be greatly missed by all.

 After the shooting death of his son Deshawn in 2006, Anthony became an advocate for Gun Violence and because of that, Anthony along with Joan Russell Turner, started the Suffolk Advocacy Group in 2021 which consisted of several people that met each month at the Suffolk Police Department to discuss violence within our communities and to be a sounding board or a shoulder to lean on for families that were experiencing the same hurt and pain when losing family members to Violence. In 2019, Anthony took on the responsibility of becoming a Commissioner with Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority until his passing.

Anthony leaves to carry on his legacy, his loving and devoted wife Deborah A. Parker, two daughters Catina Ralph(Lamont) and Jakeisha Parker. Four sons Phillip Thorne(Dominique), Terrence, and Anthony Parker all of Suffolk, VA and Brandon Sessoms(Rena) of Maryland. Sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren that he adored. He also leaves behind three sisters Gloria Williams, Linda Parker, and Paula Woodley all of Suffolk. Six Brothers Clayton Parker(Janice) and Willie Parker both of Suffolk, Javoun Parker(Jeannette) of Alabama. Van Almond(Jewel) of NC, Alvin Almond(Susie) and Calvin Almond (Stephanie) of Suffolk. In life we have special people whom we carry in our lives and his Godmother Ethel Copeland was one of those. Anthony had several special aunts Alma Wright, Ella Mae Myrick, both of Suffolk along with Shirley Baker and Vanessa Thorne of Wyandanch, NY. His memory will also be cherished by a host of sister and brother in laws. Anthony had many close friends in his lifetime from childhood, military, adulthood, and he richly cherished those relationships. He left a very special sister, Mitzie Bassinett of Indiana along with several close friends whom he called his brothers for life Ernest Jones Jr, Calvin Brown(Roshonda), Kenneth Chisholm(Kim), Wong-Ya Jones(Joycie) all of Suffolk, Rudy Merritt of NC and Joseph Lawson(Shirley) of Indiana. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends at which all were special and dear to his heart.

A viewing will be held 1-7 p.m. Friday,  October 13, 2023 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A visitation with family/wake will be held 5:30-7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held noon, Saturday, October 14, 2023 at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries. He will be laid to rest 3:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.