PORT GIBSON — Services for the Rev. Dr. Henry Lee Parker, who died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, in Port Gibson, with the Dr. David Matthew officiating.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel, in Port Gibson, and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alcorn State University, Lorman campus, in the University Ballroom.

Rev. Dr. Parker was born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker of Cameron, Texas. He was the fourth of seven Parker siblings. He was a distinguished minister of the gospel and an educated leader. The Lord called Dr. Parker to go into the world and preach the gospel. He accepted this call, and was ordained under the Claiborne County Baptist Association. He later became the pastor of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, for which he utilized his own resources to finance and build.

Dr. Parker met and married Mrs. Vertie Mae Parker and remained in holy matrimony until her death. To this union, three children were born, a son and two daughters. Following the death of his wife, he met and married Mrs. Ruby Lee Parker and remained with her until he went to his heavenly home a few days ago.

Dr. Parker received the bachelor of science degree from Langston University in Oklahoma. He received a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. from the same university. He was well known throughout Claiborne County, the state of Mississippi and the United States. He was respected as a distinguished minister, and educated leader and a servant of the people.

Dr. Parker gave over four scores of service with 25 years each as head of the biology department at Alcorn State University, executive secretary of the General State Baptist Convention and vice president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He touched the lives of numerous young people who are serving in many fields throughout the United States. His guidance, friendly counseling and humorous disposition have captured the friendship of many.

Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Ruby Parker; a son, the Rev. Henry Lee Parker Jr. and wife, Katie, of Baton Rouge; daughters, the Rev. Gloria Penn and husband, John, of Utah and Verdie Mae Parker of Los Angeles; stepchildren, Ellen M. Wilson, Yancy May and husband, Clifton, all of Awkward, Jeannette Johnson and husband, Walter, Delanda Parker, Elvin Parker and wife, Beverly, and Verie B. Parker, all of the Washington, D.C. and Maryland area; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many other friends and relatives.