Mrs. Delores Gwendolyn Parr

She was born Delores Gwendolyn Hooks, January 7th 1948, In Jasper Alabama. The first of 5 children born to Nathaniel Hooks and Emma Lou Hooks. Very shortly after her birth, Nathaniel and Emma Lou made their way North, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by way of Chicago, Illinois. In Milwaukee they established roots and went on to add Marcus, Jack, Nadean, and Terry to their loving brood. Delores stepped into her role as "Big Sister" and never ever left it. She loved all her brothers and sister dearly. Delores, who was most affectionately called "Dee", was a devout Christian. raised catholic. She accepted Christ as her Savior, and absolutely loved the Lord. Delores attended 4th Street Elementary and St. Benedict the Moor Junior High & High School, graduating in 1964. Delores went on to college at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Although she had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and a strong commitment to higher learning, she only completed her freshman year at that time soon finding herself back home in Milwaukee. at the age of 17 she was thrust into a career position at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. She developed a diligent work ethic gained some lifetime friends and bought her first car a Red Pontiac Convertible. That convertible took her away from her parents' home to create her own life, and eventually transported her into the arms of her future husband, Melvin Parr. Meeting through Melvin’s cousin Adolphus in 1965 was the beginning of their life together. After almost 6 years of courtship and the birth of their first son Eric, Delores Gwendolyn Hooks wed Melvin Louis Parr on December 8th, 1974. Five years later came the birth of their second son, Melvin Parr Jr. In the midst of life and trials happiness and struggles, Delores found the time to accomplish so much. She worked 20 plus years with Milwaukee County before retiring. She was a natural entrepreneur. Managing two bar businesses and realizing her lifetime dream of opening her own boutique, Big Legs and Pretty Things. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, she also went back to school. In 1996 she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Alverno College and went on to receive her Masters from Cardinal Stritch University Delores sat on the boards of many community and non-profit organizations always willing to give of herself. Delores was so loving, caring, and rich with character, if you met her once. you weren’t’ t soon to forget her. She always left a lasting impression on people wherever she went So intelligent and willing to help whoever, however. She was always there for family and friends loving unconditionally and fully. She never liked to do anything halfway, always thorough, always Classy. always learning and teaching and showinq and participating. Delores could help you understand the lesson in any situation or circumstance. A Prayer she used to say: Father - Please allow our trials to shape us, not break us. Help us to emerge stronger, wiser, and more reticent - In Jesus name!!! Delores departed this life November 23rd 2018. She was preceded in death by both parents. Nathaniel In 1995, and Emma Lou just 1 month and 10 short days before Delores' own homegoing. Delores is survived by her devoted Husband Melvin Louis Parr Sr. (who she so lovingly called M.L.; her Sons Eric Parr, Melvin Jr. (Sonya) Parr, Bobby Parr, and Devery (Shonietta) Travers; her Daughters Carmen (Robert) Darnes and Zitelka Raye Parr, Special Daughters LaTasha McKennis. Teresa Butler and Yata Naigow: her Grandchildren Mariah, Little Ricky, Amaya, Imani, Meliya, Orlando, Lauren. Alexia, Whitney, Britney, Shantel, Xavier, Jarvis, John, Jordan, CaVon and Ci'Andra (Ci Ci Sparkles); many Great Grandchildren; her two narnesakes/nieces Gwendolyn Marie Hooks and TaSonia Delores Hooks- Hendrix; a host of Nieces, Nephews, COUSinS, Aunts, and Uncles; her loving Sister-Wifey Manon Wardell; her Brothers; Marcus, Jack, and Terry: and her Best Friend & Sister Nadean Hooks. Delores will also be missed by a host of other relatives and friends that should be mentioned, all of whose lives have been touched by her in one way or another.

Mrs. Delores Gwendolyn Parr

January 7, 1948 - November 23, 2018