Lizette Parker

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” Maya Angelou Honorable Lizette (Zetty) Parker, 44, transitioned on April 24, 2016 with family and friends present at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey. Lizette was born to Dolores-Ann Phillips and Lawrence Phillips on August 31, 1971 at Harlem Hospital in New York City. She became a resident of Teaneck New Jersey at the tender age of three. She graduated from Teaneck High School and went on to earn her Bachelors of Art Degree from Montclair State University, and her Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Honorable Mayor Parker began her career in public service as a Social Worker and she currently served as a Social Work Administrator for the Bergen County Board of Social Services. In addition, she was an active member in the Communications Workers of America. Lizette was a dedicated public servant who distinguished herself as a conscientious and active community leader in Teaneck, New Jersey. Elected in July 2006 to the Teaneck Council, Lizette held the distinct status of being the First African-American Woman elected as Mayor to the pluralistic township of Teaneck in 2014. During her speech of gratitude she shared “To my [toddler] daughter, Alyssa, who does not realize what is happening this evening, she will grow up and know she can be anything she wants even Teaneck Mayor and things beyond.” As Mayor, she upheld the guiding values, ethics and principles of the social work profession: advocacy, human rights, social and economic justice. Lizette adamantly advocated and demonstrated a high level of commitment by addressing issues pertinent to family, youth and children in her community such as poverty, housing, health care, cultural awareness/diversity, quality of life, job training, education, violence, LGBTQ and youth development. Her proudest accomplishment on the Township Council was “the recreation of the Youth Advisory Board that served the town’s most precious residents.” Lizette Parker gained a reputation as an adept, fearless and outspoken political activist. Her communal approach in advocacy, community building and organizing, earned Lizette the respect and confidence of her colleagues and constituents. Her achievements were countless and during her tenure she received the following awards/honors to name a few: Girl Scouts of America; Greater Bergen Community Action Plan; NAACP; National Coalition of 100 Black Women; Teaneck Chamber of Commerce; Teaneck Rotary Club and the Urban League. Lizette Parker was a longtime member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, New Jersey. She enjoyed her family, friends and was passionate about traveling. Mrs. Parker exemplified the meaning of resourcefulness, commitment, innovation and tenacity. Lizette is survived by Anthony Parker (Husband), Alyssa Parker (Daughter), Dolores-Ann Phillips (Mother), Lawrence Phillips II (Brother), Timothy Arline (Brother), Irma Allen (Grand Mother), Winston Phillips (Uncle), Patrick Phillips (Uncle), Eleanor Phillips (Aunt), Florine Phillips (Aunt), Rita Jackson (Aunt) and Lorraine Nibbs (Aunt) and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and associates that span from St. Croix US Virgin Islands to the United States. In 1988 her Father, Lawrence Phillips, preceded her in death. Visitation will be held on Friday (4/29/16) from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm and funeral services at 10am on Saturday (4/30/16) at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, New Jersey with Pastor Gregory Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey. The family of Lizette Parker wishes to extend their sincere thanks and heart felt gratitude to all those that went above and beyond to support Lizette. Your acts of kindness have been noted here on earth and in heaven. Blessings. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Author Unknown Lizette Parker Danced…