Lillie Mae Parker

October 3, 1911 to June 30, 2010

Lillie Mae Parker, a member of the Grand International Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (GIA to BLE), Emily Denny Auxiliary No. 189 for over 65 years, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2010, in Huntsville, Alabama at the age of 98. Sister Parker was instrumental in founding Auxiliary 189, and served as it’s President several times, in addition to serving as Auxiliary Chairperson for the Southeastern Meeting Association. She also held a number International offices over the years, culminating in her election to Grand President in 1981. She served ten (10) years as Grand President of the GIA to BLE.

Sister Parker was born in Hartselle, Alabama, and taught school in Union Grove, Alabama until 1934, when she married Hobart Parker, a locomotive engineer. They moved to Birmingham in 1935, where they made their home until Sister Parker moved to Huntsville 9 years ago to be closer to her daughter, Jane Smith, and her family. She was a devoted member of Tarrant Church of Christ.

Sister Bettye Dollar, the current President of Auxiliary No. 189 and former neighbor, said that Sister Parker was “a hard-working member of the GIA,” and was even responsible for recruiting Sister Dollar when the Fireman’s Auxiliary no longer existed. National Auxiliary President, Sister Becky Schneider, said that “even though I did not have the pleasure of meeting Sister Parker, she was well known and revered throughout the Auxiliary and the BLET.”

Visitation will be at Roebuck Funeral Chapel in Birmingham on Saturday, July 3rd from 1 – 2 p.m., with a service immediately following at 2 p.m. with Rev. Charles Britnell officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama.

Expressions of Condolence may be made to her daughter, Jane Smith, 2608 Sandalhaven Drive, Hampton Cove, AL 35763.