LINDA SHIRLEY PARKER

"She Walked in Beauty"

Linda Shirley Parker, a beloved woman whose life embodied the essence of love, strength, and devotion, was called to her Heavenly Home on September 13, 2025. Born on May 31, 1950, she spent her days loving her family with an unwavering spirit and fierce loyalty that made her a superhero in their eyes.

Linda's journey began on a Navajo Reservation in Rehoboth, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Andrew Begay Sr. and Ethel Kee Begay. Her maternal clan is Tachiiænii Diné, "Red Running into the Water," and her paternal clan is Haltsooi Diné, "Meadow People." The Begay family relocated to Los Angeles, California, through the U.S. Indian Relocation Act. This public law encouraged Native Americans to leave their reservations for employment and vocational training in urban areas. The family was pictured and featured in the December 5, 1955, issue of the Los Angeles Times.

As the eldest daughter of eight children, Linda took on more than just the role of a big sister. She also assumed the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her siblings. Her childhood demanded that she be stronger than most children her age. Consequently, she developed a selfless, generous, and compassionate nature that set her apart from her peers. Linda matured quickly and became a source of stability for her family.

Linda dedicated her heart to Christ at a young age at The Indian Revival Center (IRC) in Bell Gardens, California. This church was founded in 1956 by Assemblies of God evangelist Arthur Stoneking. Linda loved the church and the community, which became like family to her, providing a place of belonging and peace throughout her life.

She honored God by volunteering for the IRC homeless ministry, where the church organized efforts to feed and pray for people living on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Many of those individuals were Native Americans who had relocated to Los Angeles during the Indian Relocation Act but found themselves struggling with the harsh realities of life in a large urban environment.

Linda's life journey eventually led her to meet a man from Indianapolis, Indiana, named Donald Lawrence Parker. They met, and three months later, with just five dollars in their pockets, Linda and Donald boarded a Greyhound bus to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they became husband and wife. Their wedding in a small, quaint chapel marked the happiest day of her life. Both Donald and Linda fondly remembered their ride home. On the bus ride home, she rested in her husband's arms as they reminisced about their wedding day. Looking out the window at a dreary gray sky, she saw a ray of sunlight break through the clouds and shine directly on them. In that moment, she embodied the sentiment of one of their favorite songs, "God Blessed Our Love" (Al Green).

God entrusted Linda (The Lady) and Donald (The Dude) with three children, Rachel (Chickie), Donald Jr. (Dirt Boy), and Christopher (Bibbert). Linda was fiercely protective of her children and taught them the importance of faith, prayer, and accepting people just as they are.

Over the years, Linda's family grew to include her son-in-law, Darrell, and two daughters-in-law, Ivis and SunnyDay, along with eight grandchildren: Madison, Isaac, Jett, Cash, Drew, Emma, Kyzer, and Christopher Jr. Linda cherished each grandchild as a blessing and a miracle from God, believing that each one was precious and would be loved by her for all eternity. She made it a point to spend as much time with them as possible, ensuring they knew that Grammy was "Ride or Die" for her grandchildren.

As much as Linda cherished her family, during her final weeks she expressed a deep desire to rest in the arms of Jesus. She believed without a doubt that her late husband, Donald, would be waiting across the silent stream to welcome her home.

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On September 22, 2025, the family will gather in a private ceremony to honor Linda at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Linda will then take her final rest next to her beloved husband at Laurel Land Memorial Park.