Sylvia Denise Parker

Sylvia Denise Parker loved and known by many, was born on December 17th, 1952, in Columbus Ohio, at Grant Hospital to Luddie and Geneva Hatten, Sr. Sylvia was born into a loving and happy home that she shared with her father, mother, and older brother, Luddie Hatten, Jr., who she affectionately called “Boo.” A life-long resident of Columbus, she and her family became proud members of the Stambaugh-Elwood community when she was a young girl.

Sylvia attended two primary schools—Fornof Elementary and Heimandale Elementary. She then attended George C. Berry Junior High and was a part of the 1970 graduating class of Marion Franklin High School. She was an excellent student and took business courses to help build her career skills for life a er high school. She particularly excelled in typing class and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Y-Teens.

Growing up, Sylvia enjoyed playing with her neighborhood friends, running races in the street, competing in fierce kickball games, jumping double dutch, playing recreation center so ball, participating in African dance classes, and spending quality time on the porch with her mother, Geneva.

After high school Sylvia joined the workforce and took a job with the Girl Scouts of America. She later became a receptionist at the State of Ohio Attorney General’s office in the Civil Rights Division. As a young adult Sylvia nurtured her love for fashion and always displayed impeccable style. She modeled in local fashion shows starting through a club at the Southside Settlement House and later went on to model at Lazarus department store in downtown Columbus. She loved music and enjoyed going out on the weekends dancing with friends and going to concerts.

In 1973, Sylvia met a handsome young fellow by the name of Odis Parker, Jr., through mutual acquaintances. Over 5 years, their friendship grew into love and then they joined in holy matrimony on an extra special day; her 25th birthday in December of 1977. From this union two beautiful children were born, their son, Odis Parker III (OJ), and daughter, O’Nise Evann Parker. One of the crown jewels of Sylvia’s life was the honor of becoming a mother. She was fiercely protective, committed, involved, and above all, loving “mama bear.” Her dedication to her children was evident in every facet of her kids’ lives—attending ballet practice and performances, basketball/baseball practice, PTA meetings, parent volunteer opportunities, helping with homework, etc. She also deeply cared for and took interest in her children’s friends.  at role continued on through their adulthood and was freshly renewed with the birth of her grandson, Jack Knolan Parker, in 2018. Along with her “daughter-in-love” Knasarae Parker (who married Odis III in 2015), even with new additions to the family, Sylvia’s devotion remained the same. Her business WAS her children/grandchild.

Sylvia accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age by Reverend H.H. Teague at Hosack Street Baptist Church. She remained a life-long member. Sylvia was a remarkable woman whose life is a testament to love, faith, and most importantly family. Her roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend embody the attributes of a Virtuous Woman of God. No matter if it was a “little pocket change” for a niece/nephew or a card and gift for her friends with encouraging words, she always strived to bless others. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit impacted the lives of ALL those she came in contact with. Sylvia was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Luddie Hatten, Sr., and Geneva Hatten; sister, Linda Jean Hatten; sister, Gwendolyn Atkins; grandson, Odis “Champ” Parker IV; and best-friend/cousin, Yvonne Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Odis Parker, Jr.; son, Odis (Knasarae) Parker III; daughter, O’Nise Evann Parker; grandson, Jack Knolan Parker; brother, Luddie (Gail) Hatten, Jr.; uncle, Eddie Tensley; and niece, Brianna (Oscar) Linares. Special acknowledgement goes to Sylvia’s cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces (Parkers), Sunday School classmates, Stambaugh Ladies friend group, local Gates St. neighbors, and a host of other friends, family, and loved-ones.

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