Obituary for JoAnn Parker
JoAnn Parker was born on the 18th of October 1954 in
Chicago, Illinois to Ola Mae Parker (Vanderbilt) and
Clarence Vanderbilt. She was the oldest of two children.
JoAnn attended St. Aloysius Grammar School where she
was baptized and accepted Christ in her life. She also
attended Josephinum High School and graduated from
Jones Commercial Business School. JoAnn proceeded with
her education by attending Dawson Skill Center for
Nursing and Truman College.
JoAnn started her career off at Catholic Charities helping
others. She later worked for Chicago Tribune where she
dedicated over 25 years, doing what she loved. JoAnn will
be most remembered for her love of traveling with her
family, extravagant shopping, listening to music, and
taking lots of pictures. The one thing she enjoyed most in life was spending time with her
three daughters, Natasha, Jennifer and Lisa.
In September 2009 JoAnn united in matrimony with the love of her life Matthew Stennis.
Their union was blessed with love and happiness until the day she departed.
JoAnn departed this life on February 19th 2021. Preceding her in death are: Her mother,
Ola Mae Vanderbilt; her father, Clarence Vanderbilt; and the dearly Charles Shavers.
Our Mommy Dearest leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband, Matthew Stennis; step
daughter, Maya; three daughters, Natasha Williams (Latreal), Jennifer Stephney and Lisa
Kuffel; nine grandchildren, Evorie, Brittany, Austin, Cameron, Anthony, Angel, Donovin,
Kamauri and Kristian; three great grandchildren, Tylian, Miley and Mila; one loving sister,
Nora Vanderbilt; three aunts, Addie Bee, Mattie Mae and Erestine; one uncle, Robert
(Uncle Peon); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
October 18, 1954 - February 19, 2021
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because you were always a strong woman
who raised me to be a strong woman.
Because you were always a beautiful,
intelligent determined Soul.
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because you could see a vision that no
one else could see then draw it out and
make it come to life.
Because you always prayed me into a
protective bubble so that God would
always show me the way when I’m
feeling lost.
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because I too am a Mother who has
now learned that there is nothing more
powerful than a Mother’s Love.
Because I finally know what you were
speaking of when you said Honor your
Mother, you only get one.
I Love you with my head and all my heart.
~Your Loving Daughter, Jen-Jen
Beyond
Beyond the tears I cry I feel left, broken and confused.
Body still, hands slow, lips sealed, mind racing, heart hurts.
Eyes closed whispers of Boo, will be no more.
Beyond the tears I cry I know you’re in a better place with
NO worries NO pain Ma you have gained.
Now that you have closed your eyes I can feel your wings touch my face in my
beautiful dreams. Beyond the tears I cry I won’t say goodbye.
Sleep Ma until we meet again.
~Boo
As I sit back and reflect on past memories, times of joy, times of pain and sorrow,
I know we are never promised tomorrow.
But through it all, all I can hear now is your laughter, so distinctive no one could
dare miss. Oh, how I use to love to see you smile and laugh, all in a moment of
bliss. My mind is wondering as I think of our last conversation, talks of getting
your hair styled and colored by me, a total makeover.
You laughed about the mere thought of it but was so excited for the change.
Not in a million years did I think this change you were speaking of,
would cause so much pain.
I know now you are in Heaven smiling down beautiful as you’ve always been.
This is not goodbye; this is till we meet again.
I Love You, My Dearest Mommy
~Your Mouse
Musical Prelude ......................................................................................... Musician
Processional .................................................................................. Family & Minister
Prayer .............................................................................................. Leonard Goins
Scripture ..................................................................................... Verlene Vanderbilt
Solo ........................................................................................... Verlene Vanderbilt
Poem ......................................................................................... Octavia Vanderbilt
Poem ........................................................... Evorie Parker (Letter to Little Grandma)
The Obituary........................................................................ Wynell Wright- Newton
Remarks ...............................................................................................................
Eulogy ......................................................................................... Aposel RL Woods
Benediction .................................................................................. Aposel RL Woods
Recessional ................................................................................... Family & Minister
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Service: 1:00 p.m.
Johnson Funeral Home
5838 W. Division St. Chicago, Illinois 60651
Chicago, Illinois to Ola Mae Parker (Vanderbilt) and
Clarence Vanderbilt. She was the oldest of two children.
JoAnn attended St. Aloysius Grammar School where she
was baptized and accepted Christ in her life. She also
attended Josephinum High School and graduated from
Jones Commercial Business School. JoAnn proceeded with
her education by attending Dawson Skill Center for
Nursing and Truman College.
JoAnn started her career off at Catholic Charities helping
others. She later worked for Chicago Tribune where she
dedicated over 25 years, doing what she loved. JoAnn will
be most remembered for her love of traveling with her
family, extravagant shopping, listening to music, and
taking lots of pictures. The one thing she enjoyed most in life was spending time with her
three daughters, Natasha, Jennifer and Lisa.
In September 2009 JoAnn united in matrimony with the love of her life Matthew Stennis.
Their union was blessed with love and happiness until the day she departed.
JoAnn departed this life on February 19th 2021. Preceding her in death are: Her mother,
Ola Mae Vanderbilt; her father, Clarence Vanderbilt; and the dearly Charles Shavers.
Our Mommy Dearest leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband, Matthew Stennis; step
daughter, Maya; three daughters, Natasha Williams (Latreal), Jennifer Stephney and Lisa
Kuffel; nine grandchildren, Evorie, Brittany, Austin, Cameron, Anthony, Angel, Donovin,
Kamauri and Kristian; three great grandchildren, Tylian, Miley and Mila; one loving sister,
Nora Vanderbilt; three aunts, Addie Bee, Mattie Mae and Erestine; one uncle, Robert
(Uncle Peon); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
October 18, 1954 - February 19, 2021
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because you were always a strong woman
who raised me to be a strong woman.
Because you were always a beautiful,
intelligent determined Soul.
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because you could see a vision that no
one else could see then draw it out and
make it come to life.
Because you always prayed me into a
protective bubble so that God would
always show me the way when I’m
feeling lost.
I Love you with my head and all my heart
Because I too am a Mother who has
now learned that there is nothing more
powerful than a Mother’s Love.
Because I finally know what you were
speaking of when you said Honor your
Mother, you only get one.
I Love you with my head and all my heart.
~Your Loving Daughter, Jen-Jen
Beyond
Beyond the tears I cry I feel left, broken and confused.
Body still, hands slow, lips sealed, mind racing, heart hurts.
Eyes closed whispers of Boo, will be no more.
Beyond the tears I cry I know you’re in a better place with
NO worries NO pain Ma you have gained.
Now that you have closed your eyes I can feel your wings touch my face in my
beautiful dreams. Beyond the tears I cry I won’t say goodbye.
Sleep Ma until we meet again.
~Boo
As I sit back and reflect on past memories, times of joy, times of pain and sorrow,
I know we are never promised tomorrow.
But through it all, all I can hear now is your laughter, so distinctive no one could
dare miss. Oh, how I use to love to see you smile and laugh, all in a moment of
bliss. My mind is wondering as I think of our last conversation, talks of getting
your hair styled and colored by me, a total makeover.
You laughed about the mere thought of it but was so excited for the change.
Not in a million years did I think this change you were speaking of,
would cause so much pain.
I know now you are in Heaven smiling down beautiful as you’ve always been.
This is not goodbye; this is till we meet again.
I Love You, My Dearest Mommy
~Your Mouse
Musical Prelude ......................................................................................... Musician
Processional .................................................................................. Family & Minister
Prayer .............................................................................................. Leonard Goins
Scripture ..................................................................................... Verlene Vanderbilt
Solo ........................................................................................... Verlene Vanderbilt
Poem ......................................................................................... Octavia Vanderbilt
Poem ........................................................... Evorie Parker (Letter to Little Grandma)
The Obituary........................................................................ Wynell Wright- Newton
Remarks ...............................................................................................................
Eulogy ......................................................................................... Aposel RL Woods
Benediction .................................................................................. Aposel RL Woods
Recessional ................................................................................... Family & Minister
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Service: 1:00 p.m.
Johnson Funeral Home
5838 W. Division St. Chicago, Illinois 60651