Ellen Mildred Mahone Parker was born on September 22, 1931, in Notasulga, Alabama, to the late Freddie D. Mahone Sr. and Sarah Lou Simpson. She was the fourth of twelve children. On July 27, 2026, Ellen peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to her eternal home with the Lord.

From an early age, Ellen displayed a strong work ethic and a servant’s heart. She fondly recalled helping her mother make biscuits before sunrise, a skill that later inspired her to perfect the homemade pie crusts that became a favorite among family and friends. As a young girl, she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Ellen attended Shiloh Rosenwald Elementary School and later Tuskegee Institute High School. During high school, she discovered a remarkable talent for sewing, creating beautiful clothing for herself and her siblings. Her exceptional ability earned her a scholarship to attend Tuskegee Institute College to study fashion. Although financial circumstances prevented her from pursuing her college education, her creativity and determination remained defining qualities throughout her life as noted by anyone who ever saw her dress. Ellen was always complimented on her classy fashion and sense of style.

Following graduation, Ellen joined her older siblings in Cleveland, Ohio, seeking greater opportunities. There she met the love of her life, Love Parker, who persistently pursued her until he finally asked her on a date. With his charming proposal that “two could live cheaper than one,” the two were married on March 12, 1950. Their loving union of 47 years was blessed with two children, James Lawrence Parker and Trina Vanessa Carrier.

Determined to continue learning and growing, Ellen attended Erma Lee Beauty School, where she became both a hair model and licensed beautician. She welcomed family and friends into her home, providing expert hair care that included hot comb pressing, relaxers, precision cuts, and beautiful finger waves.

Ellen also began working in the dietary department at Doctor’s Hospital in Cleveland. When the hospital relocated to Mayfield Heights and became Hillcrest Hospital, she continued her dedicated service. Through hard work and a commitment to excellence, she gained expertise in food service, sanitation, management, organization, and customer care. While working full-time, she furthered her education at Cuyahoga Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. She served as a dietitian for 14 years before being promoted to Kitchen Supervisor, overseeing the hospital’s food service department. After 40 years of faithful service, Ellen retired in 1992 and with Love, relocated to Palm Coast, Florida.

Together, Ellen and Love enjoyed the best of both worlds as devoted “sunbirders,” spending time in both Ohio and Florida. They loved boating and graciously opened their home to family and friends for memorable Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations. Following the passing of her beloved husband in 1997, Ellen remained in Florida, where she embraced an active and fulfilling life. She became involved with several community organizations, including the Hosts of Palm Coast, the Yacht Club, and the African American Cultural Society.

Ellen cherished fellowship and friendly competition. She loved playing bridge, bid whist, and was a devoted member of a monthly Pokeno group. Her faith remained the cornerstone of her life as a charter member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Palm Coast, where she faithfully served as a trustee and President of the Usher Board. Later, she found companionship with Oliver Wendell Davis, who shared many joyful years traveling and dancing with her until his passing in 2017.

In 2018, Ellen returned to the Cleveland area to be closer to her children and grandchildren, where she continued to enjoy the love and support of her family.

Ellen leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, James (Faustine) Parker and Trina (Gerald) Carrier; her beloved grandchildren, Janaya (Justin) Foster, Joi (Anthony) Woodard, Steven Thompson, Jamie (Tyler) Utley, Wesley Carrier, and Jessica Carrier; her treasured great-grandchildren, James, Jaylynne, Aviana, Jeremiah, Maddox, Jocelynn, Jordan, and Journey; her loving sisters, Elsie Davis, Evelyn Baxter, and Barbara Mahone; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by her warmth, wisdom, and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Love Parker; her parents, Freddie D. Mahone Sr. and Sarah Lou Simpson; her companion, Oliver Wendell Davis; and her siblings, Mary Charles Evans, Jettie Ruth Fletcher, Dr. Elaine Hardman, Freddie Mahone Jr., Joseph Mahone, Thomas Mahone, Alberta Mahone, and Alice Mahone.

Ellen’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, service, and unconditional love. She was a gifted beautician, cook, leader, caregiver, and friend whose grace and generosity blessed everyone she encountered. Her legacy lives through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the enduring example she set. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, strength, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire generations to come.