Rosemary M. Parker1927-2016Rosemary M. Parker peacefully departed this earth on Monday, the 29th of August 2016, after a brief illness. Rosemary was born on the 7th of June 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Hugh Dix and Edna Self McMillan. She lived her early years in San Antonio, and moved to Houston in 1933, where she spent most of her years and raised her family. Rosemary graduated from Lamar High School in 1943 and attended Rice Institute, now Rice University.Rosemary was an unwavering follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Along with her late, former, husband Richard Parker, Sr., she was a founding member of Chapelwood Methodist Church. Throughout her life, she was active in Bible studies and church activities throughout Houston. One of the highlights of her spiritual life was meeting with the late Rev. Kenneth Hagin. She always ran the good race and fought the good fight. She never wavered.Rosemary was a rock and guiding light to her family. There was no task too demanding or challenge too great that she would not pursue in her devotion to her family. Though weakened in her later life, she continued faithfully praying every day for her family and loved ones from her long "prayer list." She never gave up and never gave in. A finer mother could never exist in anyone's universe.Rosemary spent her last years in Austin near her son David, residing at Brookdale Senior Living (previously The Summit). The family extends their appreciation to the Brookdale community who helped make life enjoyable and meaningful for the delightful lady they all called "Miss America" because, until the end of her life, she had her hair done every week and accessorized to the nines!Rosemary was the devoted mother of three sons, Richard H. Parker, Jr. and Dallas R. Parker and wife, Ingrid Parker, of Houston and David L. Parker and wife, Dana Parker, of Austin. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Dallas Parker, Jr., Nicholas Parker, Veronica Parker, M.D., Hannah Parker, Colin Parker, Rachel Parker and Stephanie Parker. In addition, she is survived by three great grandchildren, Jack Parker, Rosemary Parker and Dallas R. Parker III. Rosemary was preceded in death by her three brothers, Hugh McMillan, Thad McMillan and Colin McMillan. She is survived by her sisters, Sally McMillan Brashear and her husband Harry of Houston, and Judith Edna McMillan of Atlanta, Georgia, along with numerous nieces and nephews who fondly recall their beloved Aunt Rosemary. She always had a special place in her heart for Virginia "Ginger" Brown, her niece by marriage, of Arlington, Texas and Ginger's now-departed mother, Mary Lou Murphy, "Rosie's" best friend in her younger life.Rosemary will be laid to rest next to her beloved second husband, John R. Pledger, Jr. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 2nd of September, in the parlor of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The funeral service will be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 3rd of September, at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3511 Linkwood Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Dan Jones is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held at the church. The interment will be held at four o'clock in the afternoon at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed towards Bethany United Methodist Church, 3511 Linkwood Dr., Houston, TX 77025; or to Rice University, Office of Development MS-81, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251.