Celebrating the Life of Antonio “Tony” Parker Sr.

Antonio “Tony” Parker Sr. was born on February 3, 1965, in Washington, D.C., to Dorothy Jean Morris and Archie Kelly. In 1967, his mother, Dorothy, married Sterling A. Parker Sr., who adopted and raised Tony as his own. Tony grew up surrounded by family and was raised in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland communities that helped shape the man he would become. Tony attended public schools in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, later graduating from Central High School in Capitol Heights, Maryland. He went on to attend Prince George’s Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in the Arts of Microcomputer Systems, Programming and Analysis. A man who loved deeply and gave generously, Tony eventually met and married his first wife, Carolyn Stevenson Parker. Together, they welcomed their son, Antonio Amett Parker Jr., also known as AJ. Sadly, Carolyn passed away in 2017. Tony later married Donna Henderson Parker, and they remained married until his untimely passing.

Professionally, Tony made his mark in the automotive and construction industries. He began his career in retail sales and management, working for several well-known companies such as Pep Boys, Lowe's, The Home Depot, and NAPA. Beyond his technical skills, Tony was a caring and considerate leader who valued relationships and nurtured a strong sense of community among his peers. His compassionate approach made him a mentor to many, and his ability to uplift others will be fondly remembered. If you were on Tony's team, he considered you more than an employee—you were family. Above all, Tony was a family man. He would go to great lengths to help and provide for the people he knew.

Tony was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Parker, little brother and best friend, Sterling “Rocky” Parker II, maternal grandparents, John and Elnora Morris, grandfather, Fred Snipe, paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, and his loving aunt, Stephanie Parker. He carried the love and memories of those who came before him throughout his life, and their influence remained an important part of the man he became.

Tony leaves behind his wife, Donna Henderson Parker, son, Antonio “AJ” Parker Jr., mother, Dorothy Killins (Les), father, Sterling A. Parker Sr., sister, Dhyana Parker, grandmother, Mary E. Jamison, and a host of beloved extended family members to cherish his memory.

Tony's life was filled with family, love, laughter, accomplishments, and memories that will continue to live on through the people he touched. His legacy is not only found in his achievements, but in the relationships, he built, the family he adored, and the countless memories he created. Though he is no longer with us, the spirit of Antonio Parker Sr. will never be forgotten. His memory will continue to live on through AJ, Donna, his family, and the generations that came after him.

Antonio “Tony” Parker Sr. will he deeply missed forever, loved, and always remembered.

The Anchor and the Light

The coffee cups sits quiet on the sill,

A coat still draped across the wooden chair,

A heavy silence settles, deep and still,

Yet somehow, you are lingering in the air.

You were the anchor when the storms rolled high, 

The steady hand, the laughter in the dark,

A quiet strength beneath an open sky,

A warmth that left an everlasting mark.

To lose you is to learn a different shore,

To trace the shapes of shadows in the room,

To wish for just one conversation more,

To find the spring and feel the sudden gloom.

Yet love does not depart when breath is gone; 

It changes form, but stays to guard the heart. 

In every whispered laugh, we carry on,

Though oceans lie between the worlds apart.

Sleep well, dear heart, your daily watch is through, 

The path you walked is bright with what you gave.

We keep the steady watch of love for you,

Beyond the reach of silence and the grave.