Emma J. (Cheers) Parker

March 3, 1936 ~ April 2, 2023 (age 87)

Celebrating The Life of Emma J. Parker

Emma's life began in Bolivar, TN.; born to the union of Hoover and Isabell Cheers. Emma passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on April 2, 2023. The Cheers family relocated to South Bend Indiana while Emma was a young girl. She professed her life to Christ at an early age and encouraged the importance of Christ in her children.

Emma graduated from Washington High School; realizing her passion of caring for others and while raising her children; she attended Ivy Tech School of Nursing where she earned her License Practical Nursing Certification; this enthusiasm of caring fostered two more generations of nurses. She took pride in her 40 plus years of service utilizing her skills with staff, peers and many patients.

Emma felt family should come first; spending many hours doting on her children and four generations of grand children. She especially looked forward to annual sister trips with destinations around the world until her health no longer allowed travel. Her favorite pastime included playing cards, gaming, and listening to music while generously spreading knowledge to whoever was in her presence.

Preceding Emma are parents, Hoover and Isabell Cheers, Aunt Idabell Hobson, Brother Edward Page El, Sister Sharon Copeland, 1 grandson, 1 great grandson, 3 great-great grandchildren and long time companion of 30 years, Ernest Chapman.

Emma leaves to cherish her memory Siblings, Paulette (Arthur) Lane of Chicago, IL, Dennis (Gwen) Copeland of South Bend, IN, and Ruth (Manoah) Burns of Battle Creek, MI. Eight children; LaVerna Dungey of Chicago, IL, Andre (Annie) Hobson of Country Club Hills IL, Monya Parker of Indianapolis, IN, Sherelette (Carl) Adams, Pamela Shabazz, Bonita Selmon, Idabell Bynum and Isabell Parker all of South Bend IN. Emma has 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 15 great-great

Special Acknowledgements: The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the loving caregivers, Traditions Hospice, sister Paulette for fulfilling her wishes and daughter Isabell for her long-term care.

Obituary for Emma J. Parker | Alford's Mortuary

Source: Legacy.com

02/19/2026 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/emma-parker-obituary?id=51557391