Christine Parker

“Oma” Parker, Ova Christine Gabehart Parker, slipped gently and quietly to her eternal home in the wee hours of February 9, 2025 as she slept. She is survived by her son, Michael L. Parker. Oma joined her parents The Reverend Ova Shelby and Sarah Elizabeth (nee Simpson) Gabehart, her husband Adam W. Parker, her son David Lee Parker, and her beloved daughter-in-law and care-giver for nearly 6 years Susan Martin Parker and a host of other relatives, friends, and souls she helped find Jesus Christ as Savior and friend. Christine was mother, grandmother, and confidant to all she encountered in her long and illustrious life.

Christine was born on May 22, 1924, the second of what would be 11 children in the Gabehart tribe. She became an early ‘mother’s helper,’ ultimately caring for her siblings after her mother had a stroke following the birth of one of the later children. This helped set the stage for her life as mother and grandmother to all.

Upon his return from WWII, Christine was married to Adam W. Parker on March 11, 1947 by The Reverend Hillery C. Rice at Fifth Avenue Church of God, South Charleston, WV. Christine was a stay-at-home mom in early marriage, serving her 2 sons as well as family members on both sides of the family tree along with a very active church life. In mid-life, Christine felt led by the Lord to go to college, earning a BA in education, followed by a MA public school administration. This led to a career in education, first as a classroom teacher then a principal. She was awarded a lifetime teaching certificate and also became an adjunct professor for West Virginia University. As an innovator, Christine was nationally recognized for a program in physical exercise for Kanawha County Schools. One of her most cherished accomplishments was as a founding member who created the Gifted Program for West Virginia which subsequently became a national model for intelligence-based gifted programs. Above all, Christine believed all children should be loved and taught as though they were her own childen.

One of her great joys was music. Even though she never had a music lesson nor could read music, she became an accomplished pianist, organist, in addition to guitar and ukelele. When in her 80’s, she was featured as accompanist to two different soloists who each recorded a CD. In her 99th year, she was featured by WCPO TV in Cincinnati in a series called “Positively Cincinnati” for her musical attainment (https://youtu.be/Trox0x-dxRk).

Christine’s legacy will, no doubt, be her writings, especially, personal notes and letters, family letters, and topical pages in which she highlighted scripture portions and Christian virtues. In her later years, she prepared 3 book manuscripts for publication: Hymns for the Children of the World, Hymns for the Golden Years, and The Ten Commandments for the Children of the World. Her deepest desire was to walk close to God, share the love of Jesus Christ, and encourage all to find joy in Jesus Christ.

Friends and family will gather on May 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM for a Celebration of Christine’s life at the New Heights Church, 1145 N. Main St., Milton, WVA 25541. The Reverend Will Basham is the officiating minister (for more information call Kathy, 1-304-543-4483). Given her love of the Gospel and desire to spread the Word of God throughout the world, memorial gifts can be made to Gideon’s International, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or New Heights Church in her memory.