Kathryn Elmes Parker, 85
Educator and Author
Kathryn Elmes Parker was born on Sept. 30, 1923 in Wilmington, N.C. to Arthur Fletcher and Kathryn Hooper Elmes. When the Rev. Elmes was called to be minister of Peoples Congregational Church, the family moved to Washington, D.C.
Kathryn attended Mott Elementary School, Shaw Junior High School and was a 1940 graduate of Dunbar High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 1944 and her master’s from George Washington University in 1971. Kathryn’s career as an educator in Washington, D.C., began in 1955 as a classroom teacher at Webb Elementary School. She also worked as a demonstration teacher for many years at Goding Elementary School.
Kathryn was also an author. Her literary works for the United Church of Christ include Journeys to a Dream, a student book and teacher’s guide on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., People and Promises, an anthology for children, and Talking With Your Child About Feelings. Her other publications include the teacher’s guides for Juba: The Folklore of Black America, an award-winning television series for children, and Getting’ to Know Me, a television series on Black folklore produced for public television.
Kathryn was a devoted member of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ. She was a member of the Board of Christian Education, director of Church School, teacher for vacation church school, and a member of Scrooby Circle.
Kathryn’s memory is warmly cherished by son, Kenneth Arthur Parker; neice, Jacqueline Marie Elmes; cousin, Claudette Elmes; granddaughters Tatrina Parker, Tanielle Parker, and Taniece Hunt; great grandchildren Imani Allen, Jaylen Barnes, and Sanai Hunt; and a host of family members and dear friends.