Lola Parker Dean, 104, retired educator, a resident of Porter, OK; transitioned Saturday, January 17, 2015 in her home, surrounded by family.

Lola was born on December 12, 1910, in Wagoner County, the second child and the oldest daughter of Sherd and Ribbie (Harrison) Parker.

Being the oldest daughter in a family of twelve children was most difficult for her. She began learning and teaching at a very young age. She worked hard to maintain her grades and strive to have a bright future. She moved from Harrison chapel to Manual Training High School to Langston University to Northeastern University. Each step was full of obstacles that she had to overcome. She was black, she was a woman, and she was in a world that did not value or respect either.

Each day she walked this earth she thanked God for a strong Christian family, a strong Christian church and for strength to take the next step. She knew that God carried her in the palm of his hand every step of the way. Knowing how hard it was for her to get an education she vowed that if at all possible she would make a difference in the struggle her students had to face the struggle that the young people in her family had to face. She was determined to make that difference, to show them with her actions, her words and her belief that with God holding you in His hands you can and will be successful in your life. Her life revolved around showing young people how to open their eyes and hearts to see the beauty of the world that God created.

Before World War II she was most fortunate to meet and marry Herman Dean a man that encouraged her to go forward and continue God's work. They were not blessed with children, but together they raised a village of them. They were both diligent workers in Mount Bethel Baptist Church, in the communities of Tullahassee, Porter and Wagoner.

During her sojourn in this life she joined and became active in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, where she eventually became Bacillus of Alpha Iota Zeta Chapter . Her latest achievement was her induction into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame.

She was preceded in death by her mother, her father, nine brothers and sisters, and her loving husband of 56 years Herman Dean.

She leaves to morn her passing a brother Sherd Parker Jr., a sister Geraldine Craig, host of nephews, nieces, and cousins and other extended family members and friends.

A Wake & Visitation will be Friday, 6:00p.m. until 9:00p.m. at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, Porter, OK.

The family has been cared for by Granger-House of Winn Funeral Home.