Thelma Tong Parker's Obituary
Thelma Tong Parker
Thelma Tong Parker, an incredible woman beloved by her family, died on December 21, 2003, from congestive heart failure. She was 93 years old.
Born and raised in Sherman, Thelma was a Texan - and proud of it. When she was 10, her mother died and her father remarried. Although her father died a few years later, Thelma loved and trusted her stepmother enough to go on a blind date that she had arranged. On that date she met Jim Parker and her life was forever changed.
When Jim and Thelma married on December 10, 1932, the fun began. They owned the Indian Motorcycle shop on Main Street in downtown Dallas, and embarked on adventures whenever they could: sponsoring and racing in rocket runs and motorcycle rallies; traveling across North America; and living in Mexico. The variety and adventure of their lives is reflected in their lifelong friendships, which comprise people of all walks of life and nationalities -- from Mexican artisans to an Italian stowaway.
Although Thelma was a kind and gracious woman, whose entire life was an example of southern gentility, the most incredible of her traits was the ability to accept and love the people that floated in and out of her life. She is survived by her cousin, Helen Millican of Grapevine; her brother-in-law, Tom Parker of Ore City; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, all of whom adore her and will strive to emulate her legacy of kindness and generosity as they continue their journeys through life.
A memorial service will be held 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at Rader Funeral Home 1617 Judson Road in Longview, Texas with Reverend Mike Lindstrom officiating.
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