Annette Parker

Annette Parker of Del City, Oklahoma, passed away on February 17, 2025, due to natural causes. She was 90 years old.

Annette was born on September 14, 1934, to Walter Sterling Tyler and Finetta Tyler in Gather, Oklahoma, near McAlester, and was the youngest in a family of five children. She graduated from McAlester High School in 1953.

Annette loved to serve others, loved God, and loved people. She raised four boys, but often had many others in her home, and many “kids” claim her as a second mother. Annette served as a church secretary for the Del City Church of Christ for more than 20 years, taught Bible classes, worked with Vacation Bible School, supervised the Mother’s Day Out and Friday School programs, and served with the Oklahoma Christian University Women’s Association. She loved to feed people. Whether it was friends the boys brought home after school or on holidays, at Camp Rock Creek, Wednesday night meals, or Whiz Kids, she loved to take care of people’s needs. Her grilled cheese sandwiches were a thing of legend. She absolutely loved serving everyone, and her biggest joy was feeding kids in the Whiz Kids program and/or at Camp Rock Creek.

Annette was also an accomplished Mary Kay salesperson. She loved working with women to empower them and help bring out the best in them. She mentored and befriended many women from multiple generations, taught women’s classes, led women’s retreats, and always worked to equip people for service.

Annette met Burton in 1948 when she won a pair of roller skates that Burton thought he should have won. Burton and Annette spent many hours on the floor of the roller rink in the armory in McAlester. They were married in 1952, going on to have four boys. Burton and Annette were married for 72 ½ years and had a joyful, happy home.

Annette was preceded in death by her mother and father, Walter and Finetta Tyler; brothers, Freeman and Walter Tyler; sister, Minnie Kelley; and daughter-in-law, Emma Parker. She is survived by her husband, Burton Parker; sister, Lilly Mae Henry; children, Terry and Dee Parker, Gary Parker, Bruce and Genie Parker, and Kyle Parker; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even more people who called her mom and friend.

Annette’s memorial will be Monday, February 24, 2025, 2:00 pm, at the Del City Church of Christ, 1901 Vickie Dr., Del City, Oklahoma 73115.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Camp Rock Creek, the Wednesday night meals program, or ongoing kitchen programs at the Del City Church of Christ.

Annette will be missed daily by everyone who knew and loved her.