Anna Mae Virginia (Parker) Dandridge

Life’s Reflection

Anna Mae Virginia Parker-Dandridge, 8th child of Otis James and Anna Berthina Fisher-Parker was born January 1, 1927 in Harris, Arkansas.  She departed on the anniversary of her husband's demise, September 21, 2016. Nine siblings proceeded her passing: Ether Dove Parker, Harold Sylvester Parker, Juanita Maudwayne Loveless, Gladys Minnie Bea Slaughter, Officer Otis James Parker Jr., Liddie Lillie Jane Hercey, Fisher James Parker, Colonel Herbert Gerald Parker and Bernice Katherine Mays.

Anna Mae's family migrated to Fayetteville, Arkansas around the year 1932.  In the eighth grade, Anna Mae's mother sent her to Kansas City, Kansas to further her education. As a way to appear more sophisticated, Anna Mae changed her first name to Virginia. She graduated from Sumner High School in the class of 1945. Anna Mae later became a member of the renown social organization, The Satellite Club; she remained active with the Sumner Spartans Alumni.

Anna Mae met her "sweetheart" Otto Thomas Dandridge at the age of 17 and they were married on the 18th of December, in 1949 according to the rite of the Catholic Church. To this union they were blessed with three children.

At the start of her career, Anna Mae was employed at Kipper's Grocery store and her husband Otto was an embalmer. Anna Mae worked at the grocer for several years and then attend technical school. Anna Mae eventually worked for the Safeway Grocery Store in Kansas and later transferred to their Argentine location.  Anna Mae retired as Lead Grocery Clerk, UFCW District Union #2 at the age of 58.  

Anna Mae was a dedicated Christian Servant. She was baptized at Our Lady's of Perpetual Help which later transitioned to Our Lady's & St. Rose Church.  Anna Mae was a member of the Fr. Finnigan Court #61 of the Knights of Peter Claver Lady's Auxiliary for over 50 years; she was also a member of the Altar Society.  Anna Mae was a choir member and selected the music for Mass; she chaired many fundraises.  While her children were enrolled in parochial school, she carpooled many families to church.  Anna Mae faithfully prepared food for the Wilhelmina Gill Food Kitchen.  She was a past member of Mason Memorial Church.

Anna Mae had a kind and gentle spirit; later in life, she became well-spoken and inspiring. Anna Mae’s namesake in the bible, (Anna) was a prophetess who, "received insight into things that normally remain hidden to ordinary people." 

Anna Mae leaves her children to cherish her memories:  William Anthony "Tony" Dandridge (Alberta), Virginia Valencia  "Tickle"  Moore & Veronica Maria Dandridge; four grandchildren:  Stacy (Bennett) Barnett of Herndon, VA, Jason Moore (Aurelia), Sean (Kristy, MST/Ret.) Dandridge of Stafford, VA & Jaymie Moore; thirteen great-grandchildren: Little Jason,  twins, Jacianna & Jaichea,  Faith, Keshaun; Natasha & Mortez of St. Louis, MO,  Christopher, Elijah & Jayla of Stafford, VA & Everett of Herndon, VA.  One sister, Evangelist Peggy Ann (Pastor Hosea) Davis, Sister-In-Law Florida (Col. Herbert) Parker of Tallahassee, FL, a Niece, Sophia Jo (Jake C.) Davis of KC, MO and a host of other relatives and friends.

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