In Memoriam: Fair Haven Native, Rumson High Grad, Parker Family Health Clinic Founder, Shirley Parker, 100

Fair Haven native Shirley Parker “peacefully and gracefully rose to her reward of everlasting life, surrounded by love, on May 21.” She had turned 100 on Jan. 17.

“Born in Fair Haven to loving parents George and Carolyn Albert, Shirley was a ‘go-getter’ in more ways than one: She loved walking, and she loved working. After earning her diploma at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (then Rumson High School) she went to work! She was a happy worker making her mark assisting in the office of the most prominent medical doctor in the area — Dr. James W. Parker, Sr — and spending many years as a supply systems analyst for the most prominent employer in the area — Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. It was a match made in heaven when Shirley married the love of her life, Dr. James W. Parker, Jr. Like his father before him, Dr. Parker Jr. became a historic figure in the Red Bank community. With the support of such prominent New Jerseyans as Jon Bon Jovi and Dr. Eugene Cheslock, Shirley and her husband were instrumental in founding Parker Family Health Clinic, a beacon of hope to Red Bank’s westside community.”
Loved ones of Shirley Parker in her obituary

With the support of the Red Bank Men’s Club, founded by prominent westside doctors in 1949, they got the street Drs. James Parker Blvd. named to memorialize the Parker family name in Red Bank. Shirley worked hard as a volunteer and a fundraiser for the Parker Family Health Clinic.

Shirley spent her final years as resident of The Chelsea at Shrewsbury, an assisted living facility where she was cared for by live-in health aides under the watchful eye of her good friend, Barbara Sheridan. Shirley enjoyed comforting, loving care to the end.

She leaves to mourn her passing, brother Harold Albert, Fair Haven, New Jersey.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home