Rev. Dr. Lonnie Everett Parker, son of the late Matthew and Mary Parker was born on Sunday, January 7, 1940 in Riverside, New Jersey. He attended the Riverside Public Schools and graduated from Riverside High School in 1957.

Soon after high school, Rev. Dr. Parker enlisted in the United States Air Force, retiring after 21 years of service. Upon retiring he continued his education and received an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts from the City College of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He was also a graduate of Manna Bible Institute, Philadelphia, graduating at the top of his class.

Rev. Dr. Parker accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and joined First Baptist Church, Riverside, NJ. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Rev. Dr. Parker returned to Riverside, NJ and reunited with First Baptist Church. He served his church in various capacities; Sunday School teacher, member of the Trustee Ministry, Usher Ministry, Choral Ensemble, Male Chorus, Deacons’ Ministry and the First Baptist Ministerial Board.

The Lord had a calling on Rev. Dr. Parker’s life and he was ordained to preach by the Bethany Baptist Association on April 29, 1997. Years later, on November 10, 2001, he was installed as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Riverside. Although he retired from the pulpit in 2014 due to health reasons, he continued to assist whenever he could. Rev. Parker was a dedicated servant and loved the Lord!

Rev. Dr. Parker leaves to cherish many fond memories, his devoted wife of 60 years, Betty Parker; two sons, Marcus Carson and Robert Parker of Riverside, NJ; two granddaughters, Gwendolyn Lankford and Helen Turner; two brothers-in-law, James Spencer (Betty) and William Spencer, Jr. and one sister-in-law, Gloria Richmond, all from Charleston, W. Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family