Gloria Jeanette Parker, 75, of Norman, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 7, 1934 in Hopeton, Oklahoma, to Rubuen and Thelma Golbek. She graduated from Selman High School in 1952, where she met Loyd Parker, and they were married on November 25, 1953. They lived in Selman, OK for the first year of their marriage and then moved to Cambridge, NE. From there they moved to Haskell, OK, where they resided until moving to Norman, OK in 1969. Gloria graduated from Northeastern State University in 1968 with her teaching degree in English as her major and a minor in Journalism. Gloria graduated from OU with a Masters degree in Human Relations. Gloria taught at John Marshall High School for several years before becoming the State Language Arts Director for the State of Oklahoma. After retiring from teaching and working for the state, Gloria joined Loyd as a broker/owner in the real estate business. Gloria enjoyed teaching and training other real estate agents throughout her career. As co-owner of CENTURY 21 Parker Real Estate, she accomplished numerous accreditations in her industry. Gloria was a member of McFarlin Memorial Untied Methodist Church, Fellowship class.Gloria is survived by three children: Kerri Thompson and husband Kevin of Sherman, TX; Sherri Evans and husband Michael of Norman; and Craig Parker and wife Anna of Norman; brother, Gerald Golbek and wife Geraldine of Norton, KS; sister, Darla Mounts and husband Gene of Fargo, OK; grandchildren: K.P. Thompson, Kathryn Thompson, Angela Camp, Shauna Gipe, Sylvia Evans, Ellen Kraft, Kenny Kraft, Aaron Parker; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Wendell Parker; and her parents.Memorial gifts may be sent to the American Cancer Society , 6525 N. Meridian, Ste. 110, OKC, OK 73112; or McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd., Norman, OK 73069. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, with interment following in IOOF Cemetery, Norman, under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home.

Published in The Oklahoman on July 13, 2010