Rexie’s Life Story
Rexie Mae Hamlett-Parker was a woman known for her love, honesty, and demonstration of a positive and gentle nature. She was the kind of woman you could not help but love. The special magnetism that she possessed enabled her to have a way with children; her children, grandchild, nieces, nephews, and cousins who shared her enthusiasm and love for life.
Rexie’s story began on May 3, 1935 in Pinson, Tennessee and her blessed life ended August 1, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana when God called her to her heavenly home. She was the daughter of Zack Earl and Ollie Mae Hamlett, who preceded her in death. Her father called her “Miss Rexie” and she is still “Miss Rexie” to the family and friends. The name “Miss Rexie” exemplified her character, Integrity, leadership, intelligence, hard work, and love for her family and fellow man; traits that her father saw in her.
Growing up on a farm in Madison County, Tennessee, Rexie learned early the importance of hard work and that persistent efforts were steps to success. She was a high achiever at every level of her educational career. She ...[more]
ended Pinson Elementary School, Merry High School in Jackson, Tennessee and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lane College, also in Jackson, Tennessee, where she graduated cum laude. She became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. while at Lane. After her graduation from Lane College, Rexie began her illustrious teaching career in the historic city of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, where she taught for three years. After leaving that position, she became a teacher in South Bend, Indiana’s public school system for several years. She later moved to Indianapolis where she began her 30 plus year career teaching in the Indianapolis Public School System. During this time she received a Masters Degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She retired from teaching in 1993, having gained a reputation of excellence for thirty five years in the field of education.
Her love for children continued after retirement as she worked with the outreach ministry at Womack Memorial C.M.E. Church where she was a very committed member for many years. While a member she was the administrative assistant to the Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School, Member of the Steward Board, Stewardess Board and Trustee Board at various times. Her faithfulness and love for Womack speaks volumes.
Not only did moving to Indianapolis provide a higher degree of education and a teaching job for Rexie, this is where her life story expanded. She met and married Cliff Parker, and to this union they had 3 sons; Cliff Eric, James Lemonte, and Marcus Bennett; and one pride and joy of her life, her granddaughter Victoria Janelle Parker, whom “Miss Rexie” called “Miss Janelle”. “Miss Rexie” lived a very good life loving her husband, Cliff and loving her sons, her family and her friends.
The impact of Rexie’s work will never be forgotten. She has written her name legibly on the hearts of many and her legacy of caring, sharing, giving, loving and helping lives on.
Rexie received many awards for her service and contributions. What was most important to her was her church and helping others. She believed strongly that if she could help someone, her living would not be in vain.
Rexie leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 55 years, Cliff Parker; three sons, Cliff Eric Parker of Indianapolis; James Lemonte Parker (Delisa) of Kansas City, Missouri; Marcus Bennett Parker of Memphis, Tennessee; one grandchild, Victoria Janelle Parker of Memphis, Tennessee; one sister, Dorothy Pearl Young of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two sisters in law, Carrie Hamlett of Flint, Michigan and Gretchen Hamlett of San Jose, California; one brother in law, James Parker (Pearl) of Indianapolis, Indiana; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly. She also leaves to cherish her memory many special friends who were always available for support. Lakeisha Cross and Willie Williams are two of many. Preceding her in death were six brothers; Homer Purdy, Zack Earl Hamlett Jr., Willie Lee Hamlett, Albert Bennett Hamlett, Truman Hamlett, Murrell Hamlett; two sisters, Pauline Hamlett and Christana Hughes.
Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery
Indianapolis, IN 46208
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