Sunrise – February 15, 1949​​​Sunset – December 22, 2020

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I did it ALL MY WAY"

Sylvia Evon Boyd Parker, "The Boyd family Matriarch," was born February 15, 1949 to the late Cleotha Boyd and Christine Chatmon Boyd in Jacksonville, Texas. Sylvia grew up in the New Hope and Lakeview Communities located outside of Jacksonville, Texas. Sylvia was first introduced to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior at an early age when she joined New Hope Baptist Church in the New Hope Community. Sylvia was baptized at  New Hope Baptist Church and there she remained a member until her death.

Sylvia attended school in the Churchhill Community, Fred Douglas Elementary,  and the historically black Fred Douglas High School. Sylvia was a member of the Fred Douglas High school marching band where she played the bassoon and clarinetand graduated in 1968.  A few years later, Sylvia took her small family and moved to  Los Angeles, California for a while with the late elder sister, Dr. Janet Knox.

Sylvia returned to Texas, met and fell in love with her late husband, Richard Clay Parker in 1975.  To this union, no children was born, but Richard was the Father he didn't have to be.  He gained three daughters, Amanda Reshail Jordan (Bernard), Kimberly LeFaye Whitaker, and A'Britnae' Sintosh Boyd.

Sylvia loved playing dominoes, fishing, and entertaining family and friends.  Sylvia's heart was helping others, always providing food and shelter to anyone and everyone who was in need.

She was preceded in death by her husband, (Richard C. Parker) parents, (Cleotha and Christine) sisters, (Dr. Janet Knox and Ms. Sandra Boyd) and brother, (Mr. Clifford Boyd).

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters; Amanda, Kimberly, and A'Britnae'.  Four grandchildren, Richetta S. Reynolds (Marcus), Richard N. Whitaker, RiKedrian M. Whitaker, and Jalen R. Wheaton, and one great-grandson, Meiko J. Reynolds.  She also leaves to cherish her memories a host of cousins, nieces, nep hews, and special friends, Nickie Moore, Debra Jeffery, Janice Banks, Dorothy Faye Whitaker, and Alice McLane.