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In Memory

Sister John the Baptist Parker of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, MSBT
June 7, 1913 – January 1, 2012

Sister John the Baptist, known as Martha Goodwin Parker, was born June 7, 1913 in Lineville, Alabama.  Her parents were Joseph Edwin Parker and Sarah Lodaska Mullan Parker.  Her father was an itinerant Baptist preacher and farmer; her mother, a homemaker.

Sister John the Baptist enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1944 and was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.  She was honorably discharged in 1946. She was a bookkeeper prior to entering. 

A convert to Catholicism, she was baptized March 6, 1948 at St. John’s Church in Birmingham, AL by Bishop Durick.

She entered the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity on January 27, 1951.   She made her first profession on August 15, 1952 and was given the name “Sister John the Baptist of the Sacred Heart.”  Her final profession was made on March 25, 1956.   Sister has been a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity for 60 years.

Her missionary journey took her to Norfolk, VA; Gadsden, Alabama; Pensacola, FL; Phenix City; Philadelphia, Pa; Osterville MA; Stirling, NJ; Kiln, MS; Philadelphia, PA; Gadsden, Alabama; and the Motherhouse.

Her longest mission was at Holy Name of Jesus Hospital in Gadsden, Alabama (18 years).  There she took the histories of patients and served as receptionist.  She was known to be kind, conscientious, and thorough.  She comforted many with her gracious southern manner.  When the Hospital was sold Sister was initially assigned to the Fund Development Office at the Motherhouse.  When she was unable to walk over she then volunteered as Health Care receptionist.  When that became too much for her she was assigned to the Ministry of Prayer.

Sister was a prayerful woman and proud of her Southern heritage.  Sister was known, by our staff, for expressing gratitude for services given.  She maintained close connections through phone and correspondence with her family and friends from various mission assignments. In the more recent years one of our volunteers was able to assist her with her correspondence. 

Tonight we offer thanks to the Triune God for the life of our Sister John the Baptist and we count on her to intercede before the Triune God for our many intentions, but most especially for vocations.

May she rest in peace!