*** The Service For Miss Gloria B. Parker will be streamed via our Facebook Page ( Biglow Funerals Inc. ) on "Facebook Live beginning at 11:00AM on Monday, June 8, 2026*** The link is provided below.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Biglow-Funerals-Inc-100057440171588/

Gloria Belle Parker was born January 30, 1942 to Willard Giddings and Opal Jean (Moore) Parker. She was the second of two daughters.

Gloria received her early education in Muskogee, Oklahoma before graduating with the Class of 1959 from the historic Manual Training High School where she participated in National Honor Society, Hi-Y Club and Speech Club. Her love and dedication to her class and school was exhibited when she chaired the 60th reunion of her classmates in 2019.

After graduating high school, Gloria went on to graduate with her Bachelors of Arts from Lincoln University (LU) located in Jefferson City, Missouri before receiving her Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California’s (SC) Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, located in Los Angeles, California.

One of her fondest memories of her “LU days”, was when the theatre and drama club from Howard University from Washington, District of Columbia (DC) would travel to Missouri for summer camp and have a “Jammin Good Time!”

Gloria’s humble beginnings in Muskogee made her extremely grateful to have lived a well-traveled life experiencing the joys and opportunities in life in areas such as Cleveland, Ohio, New York City, New York, Germany and Los Angeles, California.

Gloria’s career path included numerous chapters including as an actress, model, media executive, producer, director, writer and the occasional Off-Broadway Theatre.

Gloria retired after 15 years of service working for the Los Angeles Department of Social Services as a case worker, staff development trainer and video producer.

As an administrative assistant to Iris Gordy, niece of Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, Gloria was one of the decision makers within the Artists and Repertoire (A&R) department when it came to sending artist's demo tapes on to the “next level”.

During her modeling days, Gloria modeled some of the most stunning and luxurious Ben Khan Fuhrs furs. She recalls the grandeur that came along with owning one of his designs. His furs were worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and other wealthy heirs.

In 2012, Gloria returned home to Muskogee to take care of her beloved father.

Gloria was never without a job. Something she and her sister learned from their father. Gloria loved to talk of how her father, famed agricultural educator W.G. Parker, taught them to be independent women and chase after their passions. She once stated that he never insisted on agriculture careers and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Gloria served in several capacities at First Missionary Baptist Church, such as Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Scholar, Prayer Warrior, Choir, Women Missionary Union, and served/supported all Church functions. Gloria was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Organization for Women, National Democratic Party, Precinct Officer for the Muskogee County Democratic Party, and supported other Church ministries as well, too numerous to name.

As a mother to no biological children of her own, Gloria had many adopted children and grandchildren. She once stated “I dedicated my life to taking care of my family and other people’s children.”

Before her sickness, Gloria’s dedication to her family extended beyond the physical realm as she dedicated Memorial Day each year, to cleaning and maintaining the 27 graves of her grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles resting in the family cemetery located in Porter, OK.

Gloria’s parents preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her special memories; her sister Beverly Young, and niece Kimberly Harrell; along with a host of loving relatives, extended family and friends.

Miss Gloria B. Parker, after 84 years of life, received her rest on Saturday evening, May 23, 2026 from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

You may visit her on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM in the Peoples Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., Her Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will begin the "Ivy beyond the Wall" Memorial ritual at 4:08 PM and the public is welcome to attend with the family.

The final hour with Soror Gloria will commence on Monday morning, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Peoples Chapel with Pastor C. Maurice Baccus, Jr, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church of Muskogee, delivering the Eulogy.

Burial will follow the service in the sacred grounds of Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may order flowers:  (918)687-7574 lakelandflorist.com