Maderia Young Parker

In Loving Memory of Maderia Y. Parker June 25, 1937 – April 25, 2025 Maderia Y. Parker, born June 25, 1937, in Wilcox County, Montgomery, Alabama, was the youngest of 10 children raised by Sam V. Young and Ervin Bulah Marsh. She passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Bedford Court Assisted Living Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, following a long and courageous battle with dementia and related health challenges. Maderia was a proud graduate of Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960. She went on to receive her Master of Arts in Teaching, with a specialization in early childhood education, from Trinity (Washington) University in Washington, D.C., in 1974. Her distinguished career as an educator spanned over four decades. Maderia taught in the Prince George's County Public School system from 1964 to 2004, later returning as a beloved substitute teacher from 2006 to 2013. She was a trailblazer in the classroom—an intuitive and innovative educator whose passion for teaching was evident in every lesson. Known especially for her work with kindergarteners, Maderia had a special gift for recognizing the unique needs of her students and inspiring them to thrive. Her classrooms were vibrant, meticulously arranged spaces filled with colorful, engaging materials designed to stimulate young minds. Her legacy lives on in the lives of the many students, families, and colleagues she influenced. Maderia was also known for her grace and impeccable style—rarely seen at a celebration without a matching hat, scarf, heels, and, when needed, the perfect hairpiece. She cherished time on the road, documenting her adventures through countless photos and lovingly created scrapbooks that chronicled family milestones and travels. She found joy in gardening, surrounding herself with flowers and plants, and indulging in quiet moments reading the Washington Post especially the crossword puzzles. A lover of good food, she never passed up grilled fare or a perfectly fried piece of fish. Maderia was preceded in death by her siblings Nancy Jane Pritchett, Mitchell Young, George Grant “GG” Young, Otis Young, Fostoria Young, Clifford Young, and Sidney B. Young; sister-in-law Berith E. Young; niece Deborah Jean Pritchett; brother-in-law William Parker; and former husband, Judson M. Parker (divorced in 1981). She is lovingly remembered by her children: Cassandra E. Parker, Dr. Don N. Parker (Sheryl), and Brian K. Parker (Kimberly); her grandchildren, Gray Cacheris and Gabrielle Cacheris; sisters-in-law Ann Parker and Betty Cochran; brother-in-law Vincent Parker (Mary); godparents Irma N. Cuellar and Marion Harmon; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and lifelong friends. Maderia’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those she touched. Her devotion to education, deep love for family, and unwavering faith remain a guiding light for all who knew her. A memorial service celebrating Maderia’s life will be held on June 20 at 2:00 PM at Saint Lukes Lutheran Church, 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. A reception will follow the service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church website, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live. Flowers may be sent directly to the church in her name. Expressions of sympathy or remembrances may be shared with her children: Brian K. Parker – 1408 Olivia St., Key West, FL 33040 Dr. Don N. Parker – 120 Lodestone Dr., Milledgeville, GA 31061 Cassandra E. Parker – 3403 Castle Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Maderia Young Parker

June 25, 1937 - April 25, 2025