Hazel Virginia Parker

Hazel V. Parker, 88, a true icon of the City of Charleston, SC, entered into eternal rest, Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community.  Hazel was born in Charleston, February 20, 1922, the daughter of Thomas S. Parker and Clara Thompson Parker, both of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was a lifetime member of Citadel Square Baptist Church. Hazel was predeceased by her numerous canine kids: Lady Astor, Odessa, FeFe, Shawn, Peppi, Missy, Dolly, Molly and others.

The relatives and friends of Hazel V. Parker are invited to attend her funeral services, Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 3 p.m. in Ashley River Baptist Church.  Interment, Magnolia Cemetery.  Friends may call at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hazel graduated from Memminger High School in 1940. Shortly after high school, Hazel went to work for the USO where she volunteered for many years. In 1942 she took a position with the City of Charleston Recreation Department. Under the direction of Miss Corrine Jones, she learned how to run a facility and teach children sports and other recreational activities, soon East Bay Playground was her own and for 46 years she taught and nurtured the children of Charleston in sports, morals and values.

The City of Charleston renamed East Bay Playground as Hazel V. Parker Playground in 1977, in honor of Hazel's 36 years as director of the playground and in recognition of Hazel's dedication to the children of our community. Hazel retired from her supervisory position at the park in 1988.

She was famous for driving around Charleston in her favorite car, SusaBelle, a 1940 Ford Deluxe, usually with her dogs. Miss Parker frequently took long trips to Canada and throughout the states, driving her new car, a 1959 Ford Galaxy. On her long trips she was always accompanied by her dogs.

She was a member of the South Carolina Recreation Society which became the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association and the Baptist Women's Missionary Union.

Miss Parker received The Humanitati Award in 1998 from The Socie?te? Francaise for "One Who Improves the Human Condition", and in 2008, The Three Sister's Award from The Committee to Save the City in "Recognition for being an irreplaceable mentor, role model and icon to Charleston's children".

She is survived by three cousins: Miss Jane Parker and Mr. John W. Parker, of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Mr. William (Billy) Thompson of Newport News, VA, and his son Bill Thompson of Newport News, VA., and all her children of Charleston who grew up under her guidance on the playground.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any pet helping organization such as the Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, N. Charleston, SC, 29406, or Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC, 29412.