Ronald I. Parker's Obituary
When I die, he said, I’m coming back as a tree with deep roots. And, I’ll wave my leaves at the children Every morning on their way to school, And whisper tree songs at night in their dreams. Trees with deep roots know about the things children need. Brian Andreas
This quotation seems almost apocalyptical to the life Ronald I. Parker lived. He was an advocate and counselor for children in need. He also fought for the hungry and the homeless. He often asked, “What would the world be, if every child woke up feeling safe, loved and confident that they would have enough to eat? What would the world be, if every child had the opportunity to learn, play, and dream about a future filled with potential?”
Ronald was born June 20, 1947, to Irving and Rozelle Parker, in Oxford, N.C. He went to live with God on March 10, 2026.
He attended the Granville County, N.C. schools and graduated high school in 1965. Ronald pursued further study at North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., where he received his BS degrees in History and Political Science. He also attended Columbia University Law School in New York City, where he received his Juris Doctorate.
Ronald practiced law at Community Law Offices in East Harlem and Brooklyn Legal Services. He also worked as a community organizer and housing development director for Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration. He taught Business Law and Compliance and Human Resources Law at Essex County College in Newark, N.J. and Kennesaw State College in Marietta, Georgia.
When he was at Columbia University, he began his advocacy for underserved young black boys. He joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and tutored and counseled young men.
His greatest joy was tutoring his own grandchildren, Sophia and Ella. He also enjoyed bringing them to St. James’ food pantry to volunteer.
He leaves to morn his death, his wife, Esther Silver-Parker, son Jamal, daughter-in-law Stephanie; and his darling granddaughters, Sophia and Ella. He also leaves his brothers Lenwood Parker (MaryAnn) and Preston Parker (Silvia) and his Parker niece, Ysabelle. He also leaves his Silver-in-laws Gloria Silver, Dr. Linda Silver-Coley (Bob), Patricia Kitrell, Dr. Joseph Silver (Roz) and Shelton Silver. He leaves a host of Silver- family nieces and nephews and very special friends, including Ervin Davis, Joe Goldthreate, Darryl Nicolas, James Perry and TA Walton.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday March 21, 2026 at St. James Baptist Church in Fayetteville under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Rogers.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA of Northwest Arkansas. CASA provides trained volunteers, who advocates for children, who have experienced abuse and neglect. CASA helps ensure each child has a consistent voice, while in foster care.Donations may be made online at https://nwacasa.org/donate/make-a-donation. During checkout (the third page, after entering your mailing address and other information), select the option to dedicate your gift and indicate it is in memory of Ronald I. Parker.Or, donate by mail:CASA of Northwest Arkansas3825 Cawood LaneSpringdale, Arkansas 72762Memo: In memory of Ronald I. ParkerThe Parker family is eternally grateful for the kindness shown during their time of bereavement.
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