Helen Ray Thaxton Parker

Helen Ray Thaxton Parker was born on July 1, 1932 in Riverton, Utah. She was the eighth child of George and Grace Hatch Thaxton. Her seven older siblings adored her.

 Helen graduated from Jordan High School in 1950 where she served as Senior Class Vice President. As the daughter of a rancher, she grew up riding horses and won the title of Ogden Rodeo Princess. She graduated from the University of Utah, with a bachelor’s degree in dance and education.

 Helen married fellow Jordan Beetdigger Gerald Parker in the Salt Lake Temple on November 27, 1953. Their five children consider their parents' marriage to be one of the greatest blessings of their lives. 

 While her husband served in the U.S. Military, Helen taught secondary school in Augusta, GA and Tacoma, WA. She took a break from teaching to start her young family and then taught kindergarten in Weber County Schools for many years, where she influenced the lives of countless children.

 Helen was a master interior designer, creating a beautiful home where her family thrived. Her children consider their childhood home one of comfort, love and joy. As parents, Gerald and Helen supported their children’s endeavors and, without lecturing, provided sound advice.

 Helen had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in numerous callings, including Primary President, Young Women President and Relief Society President. Helen supported Gerald in his demanding career and his various church callings, including their service as mission leaders in the Italy Rome Mission from 1993-1996. Gerald and Helen loved Italy and adored their missionaries!

 Helen’s greatest challenge was the death of her husband, Gerald, eighteen years ago. Special thanks to Geralyn and David Perkins and Freia and Kirk Jenkins who lovingly cared for their mother for many years as her health declined. Thanks also to Diane Samuelson and Margie Jenkins who provided loving friendship in her later years, and also to Dr. Val Hansen and Dr. Bruce Burtenshaw for their professional care and concern.

 Helen is survived by her daughters Stephanie (Tom) Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; Freia (Kirk) Jenkins of Farmington, UT; Geralyn (David) Perkins of Salt Lake City, UT; Erin (Jason) Hale of Canberra, Australia; daughter-in-law Julie Parker of Ogden, UT; grandchildren Thomas, Abraham, Aaron, John Johnson; Dayne, Parker, Stephanie Jenkins; Clayton, Samantha, Rachel, Michael, Marcus Perkins; Dillon, Wren, Avery Parker; Cecily, Benjamin, Noah, Elizabeth Hale; their spouses and 35 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald, son Steven, parents George and Grace Thaxton and siblings Jewel (Louise) Thaxton, Olive (Howard) Peterson, Adel (Earl) Maynard, Georgia (Bryce) Thomas, Jackie (Marshall) Simcox, Roberta (Jay) Allgood, Reed (Gay) Thaxton.

 Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 11:00 am in the Summerset LDS Chapel, 1885 Summerwood Dr., Farmington, UT. A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30-10:30. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday, December 17, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lindquist Layton Mortuary-Davis County, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, UT. Interment will be at the Riverton Cemetery.

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