Colleen June Parker, 93, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Carlyle Healthcare Center.
She was born on February 5, 1930, the daughter of Omer D. and Hazel D. (Clayton) Kern in Benton. She married Harold W. “Shorty” Parker on April 4, 1981, in Patoka and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2014.
Survivors include her beloved family, children, Earl Lawrence of Murphysboro, Hal Lawrence and wife Diane of Centralia, Carla Konschake of Murphysboro, Christine Grider and husband Randy of Centralia; son-in-law, Scott Moeller of Belleville; stepson, Oran “Sonny” Cummins and wife Ethel of Patoka; grandchildren, Angela Moeller, Nicole Moeller, Melissa Husband, Heather Crivilare and husband Andrew, Ben Moeller, Daniel Grider, Victoria Grider, and Randy Grider and fiancée Mikayla; niece, Debra Rada and husband James of Morton; step-grandchildren, Mike Cummins, Oran “Obie” Cummins, and Tina Ainsworth; 6 great-grandchildren; special friend Sandy Hallbrook and son Evan of Effingham; and several great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
Along with her husband of 32 years, Shorty Parker, Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Omer and Hazel Kern; sisters, Georgia Ruemmler, and Jean Ulenhake; daughter, Georgina Moeller; her grandchildren, Daniel Plaster, and Carla Colleen Moeller; son-in-law, Dennis Konschake; and beloved companion, Willie Heitkamp.
Colleen grew up in Benton and continued to be a part of the community into her adulthood. She enjoyed her work as a sales clerk for clothing and variety stores in both Herrin and Centralia. Colleen was also a loyal employee of Burlington Northern Railroad, working from their office, as one of only two women employed for them, in Centralia. She made her dream of owning her own clothing store come true, as owner and operator of Fashion Crossroads Shop in Centralia, bringing fashion to many grateful customers for 5 years. She provided the very best customer service as the owner of Fashion Cross Roads and manager of Fashion Bug in Centralia. Upon her marriage to Shorty, she moved from Centralia to Patoka in 1981 and partnered with her husband, as co-owner of Parker Appliances. Colleen had a beautiful gift of music and could play the piano “by ear”, enjoying the peace playing music brought her, even in recent years. She will be remembered for her friendly, welcoming spirit, where family and friends were made to feel at home. Colleen lived an exceptional example of confidence, hospitality, love for family, and compassion for all. Her legacy is sure to continue in all the lives she was a part of. Colleen will be deeply missed, and her memory will continue to bring a smile to all who loved her.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at the Patoka City Cemetery. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Colleen’s honor to Patoka City Cemetery or the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Colleen may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
