Retired BJ religion writer Colette Jenkins Parker, who helped the BJ win the 1994 Pulitzer for “A Question of Color” series, passed away Saturday, November 28.

Colette is survived by her husband, Darryl Parker, and their daughter, Angelica Parker.

 

Colette joined the Beacon Journal in 1992 as a reporter in the Stark County Bureau and was a staff writer until 2016.

 

Occasional columns by Colette, usually on the topic of race relations, appeared on the Beacon Journal op-ed page into 2018.

 

Gloria Irwin posted:

 

“I am so sorry for this post. Colette Jenkins passed away earlier today. She was recently diagnosed with cancer. No other details at this time.”

 

Colette was director of associates for the Dominican Sisters of Peace. I found a post on that web site by Colette in September 2020.

 

I also found this post from Colette:

 

“We have thoughts of designing a curriculum for the schools here that includes the history of the civil rights movement and would include Dr. King's teachings and beliefs.”

 

Paula Schleis, BJ Guild chairman and reporter, posted about this gem:

 

“John, we asked Colette to be a special guest on our podcast Ohio Mysteries. Here's a direct link to the audio. Folks can jump ahead to 21:12 where we ask Colette to talk about herself. It's wonderful to hear her voice again.” You can hear the Ohio Mysteries episode by clicking on https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=11674484

 

The Miracles of Rhoda Wise episode runs 42:35. Colette talks about growing up in an African Methodist Church with Catholic friends, then converting to Catholicism as an adult.

 

Colette said, “I believe you can only pray to God although you can ask saints to intercede for you with God.”

 

The Catholic Church has approved Rhoda Wise as “a servant of God.” The next level is “veneration,” achieved by only one Ohioan. Then comes “beaticification,” again only one Ohio hit that level.

 

Then there is sainthood. Only 13 Ohioans have ever achieved that lofty level. 

Colette’s obituary:

 

Mrs. Colette Marie (Jenkins) Parker left a legacy of love when she fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on Saturday, November 28, 2020 following a short illness. Colette was a humble person who wanted you to know her heart more than her accolades.

 

She started as a staff writer at the Warren Tribune. After starting her career in Warren, she transitioned to be a staff writer at the Akron Beacon Journal for 25 years.

 

Colette continued a journey of faith and was a current member of Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Warren, Ohio. She served as a Dominican Associate and was the current Director of Associates for the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Akron, Ohio.

 

In addition to her parents; she was also preceded in death by brothers, Henry Jr., Willie Charles, and Carl Jenkins; and sister, Grace Broadway. Colette was an amazing wife and mother.

 

Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband, Darryl Parker; daughter, Angelica Parker, both of Ohio; sister, Valerie L. Jenkins and brother, Tommy Floyd Jenkins of South Bend.

 

Public viewing will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 11:00 am until 11:30 a.m. at Monument of Faith COGIC, 2165 Highland Ave. SW, Warren, OH 44485. Words of reflection 11:30 until 12:00 noon. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Pine Knoll Cemetery. 330-836-2725