Shirley Parker-10-17-2026

Shirley Battle Parker, 84, entered into God’s kingdom on the evening of October 1, 2026 peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Shirley was born on January 5, 1942, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Robert Battle and Frances Odom.  She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in North Carolina and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Fayetteville State University where she met Joseph Daniel Parker, Jr.  They relocated to the Jersey Shore area and married on January 2, 1964.  Shirley continued her studies  and received a master’s degree in education from Kean University.

Shirley began her professional career as a teacher at Asbury Park High School in the mid-60s.  Her natural ability to guide and encourage young people quickly became evident, particularly as she helped students navigate the college admissions process.  Recognizing this gift, the principal encouraged Shirley to begin training and working in guidance counseling, setting the course of what would become a distinguished career devoted to helping students.  She transitioned into a guidance counselor role at Middletown Board of Education.

Shirley ultimately retired as Head of Guidance from Neptune Township Board of Education. Retirement, however, did little to diminish her commitment to young people.  Because of her enduring passion for supporting students, Shirley continued working as a part-time counselor at Brookdale Community College until 2020.

For many years, Shirley served faithfully as a deaconess and a volunteer in the book store at Epic Church, International (formerly Faith Fellowship Ministries World Outreach Center).  Because of her love for biblical knowledge, Shirley graduated from the church’s Advanced Christian Training Program and School of Ministry.

Shirley thoroughly enjoyed  hosting family and friends at home, providing them with delicious hearty meals and was widely known for the best potato salad in Jersey.  Her passion for both domestic and international travel took her to places such as New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and South America.  She proudly earned the title “The Cruise Queen.”

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Battle and Frances Odom and her siblings Bennett, Jean, and James Wells.

Shirley is survived by her former spouse Joseph Daniel Parker, Jr.; her son Joseph Daniel Parker, III; daughter Danielle Bulluck; son-in-law Maurice Bulluck; grandsons Julian Parker, Christian Parker, and Michael Bulluck; granddaughters Alexis Parker and Breanna Bulluck, and a host of other family and friends who loved her deeply.

Her commitment to her church, her community, her students, her friends, and, above all, her family touched countless lives. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, generosity, and love that will continue through all those whose lives were made better because she was part of them.

Favorite Scripture

Philippians 3:10: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death"