Mary Elizabeth Parker

Mary Elizabeth Callahan Parker, 86, passed away on July 14, 2026, in Murphys, California. Born in Beaumont, Texas, to Patrick Richard “Dick” Callahan and Leoma Leggett Callahan, Mary was the oldest of three children. Throughout her life she was affectionately known as “Sister” by her family.

Mary grew up in Houston and graduated from Aldine High School in 1958, where she was captain of the winning intramural basketball team. She met Kenneth Wade Parker Sr. through Melrose Baptist Church, and the two married there on June 7, 1958. They shared nearly 56 years of marriage before Kenneth’s passing on May 16, 2014.

Together, Mary and Kenneth raised three sons: Donald Earl Parker, Kenneth Wade Parker Jr. and Jon Richard Cleg Parker Sr. Mary’s family grew to include 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Mary lived a life of extraordinary service and leadership. She served simultaneously as PTA president at the elementary, middle-school, and high-school levels and was president of the Houston Independent School District City-Wide Council of PTAs. She advised district leadership, advocated for accessible education, served as a precinct chair, and worked as a Harris County election judge for more than 30 years.

Mary became an icon in the Texas real-estate industry. She was a national Century 21 trainer, a respected manager and regional director, president of the Century 21 Broker Council, and the 1998 Texas State President of the Women’s Council of Realtors. She taught for approximately 25 years at Champions School of Real Estate and served numerous professional organizations, including Texas Realtors and the Houston Association of Realtors.

Mary was known not only for her accomplishments, but also for her integrity, loyalty, warmth, and willingness to help. She was a devoted wife and mother, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, a gifted teacher, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend.

Mary believed deeply in giving back, once saying, “I was taught that to whom much is given, much is expected.” She lived those words fully, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, friendship, and love that will continue through the countless lives she touched.