Kappa Journal (Senior Kappas Edition)

TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE

Taylor Owens, Lance Garrett, Reese Garrett, Alexius Johnson, and Kennedy Stewart; One Godson Carl (CJ) Paschal Jr. and many other family members, fraternity brothers, and friends. We will forever celebrate the fullness of his life.

and was proud of having over 40 years of service to Kappa Alpha Psi. ® He was a mentor to many. During his service as a member of the Durham (NC) Alumni Chapter, he was the recipient of many awards and accolades. One distinguish- able award was recognition for support as a “Krimson Kontributor” to the Kap- pas of Durham Foundation, Inc. Com- munity Center. He was instrumental in the search and acquisition of the community center for the Durham (NC) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He served as Chapter Parliamentar- ian and Reclamation Chairman for a number of years. After briefly selling insurance, Ivan became a Realtor and later a broker with Alexander and Associates. He worked with Alexander for 14 years being recog- nized as Salesman of the Year in 1988. In 1983, he started another venture by opening the Chameleon Club. In 1993, he founded Service Plus Realty, Inc. where he served as President and Broker in Charge until his death. He was a member of the Durham Board of Real- tors. Whether selling houses or manag- ing property, his commitment was to the community. His desire was to build a legacy whereby people would realize their aspirations in Real Estate. Brother Owens received a heart trans- plant in 2001 due to congestive heart failure. After his transplant, he volun- teered every Tuesday with the Duke Heart Center Patient Support and Com- munity Outreach Program. In 2007, the medications that had kept him going caused his kidneys to fail causing him to require dialysis. Despite a myriad of trials and often grueling procedures, he did not let his condition impair his way of life, espe- cially his love for traveling. Ivan is survived by his lifelong partner and best friend, Joyce Smith. His only brother Lewis Owens, Jr and sister in law, Pamela Owens; Nieces and nephews Lamonte Garrett (Robin), Tia Lance, Ashley Johnson, Tiffany Owens,

traveled internationally with a focus on his ministry in Gambia West Africa. He also like working with tools and would fix anything. Bernard was affiliated with many groups. He was a member of the Lions Club, Life Member Award NAACP and honored Mason. He was an active member of Detroit Alumni for 68 years, and holds a Diamond Jubilee Award for 75 years of Service to Kappa Alpha Psi. In January 2018 Bernard cel- ebrated his 100 th Birthday among friends and family. Members of Detroit Alumni spent a morning with Brother Parker celebrating his Birthday. Past Northern Province Polemarch E. Kenneth Glass, Detroit Alumni Polemarch Henry Connerway and a host of brothers visited his home for the occasion. He even received a phone call during this visit by Grand Polemarch Thomas Battles. He was an outstanding storyteller, captivating his audience with tales of his youth, singing engagements over the years, professional challenges, romance and his love for the Brother- hood of Kappa Alpha Psi. On Sunday, December 8, 2018 God called his servant home, after an exceptional life of achievement. Mitchell S. Parks 1937–2019 U.S. Department of Commerce

Bernard Edward Parker 1918–2018 Singer, Civil Servantt

Bernard E. Parker was born January 24, 1918, in Tams

West Virginia, to the late Joe

and Mary Parker. Though he was an only child, Bernard was a favorite of

other family members. Every summer his parents would send him to the Deep South. This was where he experienced up close the Jim Crow South, riding in segregated trains and buses. Bernard was educated in the West Virginia public school system, graduating from high school in 1936. He later attended West Virginia State College graduating in 1941. Bernard’s first car was a 1926 Ford, when he was 18 years old. He was a member of a locally renowned quartet. They packed into his car went to New York to perform at the Apollo Theater in 1936. Bernard confessed Christ at an early age and later joined Hartford Memorial Church in 1981. He was active in many ministries at the Church. In 1988 he was ordained a deacon at Hartford. He remained very active until his health failed him. He was employed by the State of Michigan and held several positions from Welfare Spe- cialist to Parole Officer. He retired from the State, March 24, 1984, after 38 years of service. Bernard met Robbie Hall and married in 1958. Though they had no children together, they raised Rob- bie’s daughter Muriel E. Carter. Their marriage lasted 38 years until her death in 1997. Bernard had a variety of hob- bies and interest. He loved photography,

Mitchell S. Parks (Gamma Epsilon 1956) entered the Chapter Invisible on April 17, 2019 at the age of 81. Born in 1937 in Chat- tanooga, TN,

Parks was the second son of Walter, Sr. and Marjorie (nee Hunter) Parks. He was educated in the public schools of Chattanooga. He earned a B.S. degree from historic Tuskegee Institute (now University) and attended the Univer- sity of Tennessee and Tennessee State University for additional post-graduate studies.

98 |  SPRING ISSUE  THE JOURNAL

Publishing achievement for 105 years

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