Obituary of Stephanie Parker Weaver

Activist….Leader….Lecturer….Author….Trailblazer…Powerhouse 

stpKnown as “Sistah Hurricane,” Stephanie Parker Weaver, a cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, was born September 30, 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi. Stephanie was the third of four children of the late Frank and Carolyn Travis Parker. On March 24, 2015, she joined her parents to be with the Lord.

Stephanie attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Callaway High School in 1980. She attended Jackson State University and Tougaloo College.

She was baptized at the age of twelve and was an active member of Word and Worship Church, pastored by the Rev. Jeffrey Stallworth.

Stephanie’s career includes serving as constituent services representative with the City of Jackson where she focused on housing and community issues. She served for years as the Executive Secretary to the SCLC where she addressed the forces of racism, poverty, and disempowerment. She also worked as branch secretary and Executive Director of the Jackson City Branch of the NAACP.

Her intrinsic passion and commitment to human rights was inspired by her father, the late civil rights attorney, Frank Parker. Stephanie’s dedication, compassion, and fearless approach to difficulties earned her the respect of her constituents. She led several civil rights battles throughout the state, and galvanized national attention when she spearheaded a challenge on behalf of a group of black landowners in Canton, MS to Nissan’s use of eminent domain. Stephanie won this major battle and the families were able to keep their homes.

A modern day freedom fighter, Stephanie continued her quest for human rights throughout her career, organizing lawsuits and demonstrations, and fighting against injustices in all segments of our economy.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2008, her battle shifted to improving access to health care and finding a cure for cancer. She focused specifically on educating women about the HER2 gene, an aggressive form of breast cancer that has a disproportionate effect on African American and minority women.

Stephanie wrote a book about her life as a both civil rights activist and breast cancer education advocate entitled, Rebirth: A Breast Cancer Journey of Many; Survival of Few. It received rave reviews and was designated as the “Book of the Month” by several entities.

Stephanie received more than 100 awards, certificates, and recognitions for her efforts on behalf of equality, and has been featured in several historical perspectives regarding human rights.

Her memories will live on through her loving husband, Cordell Weaver. Her legacy includes three stepsons, and three siblings. One sister preceded her indeath. She will also lovingly be remembered by her mother-in-law, Arcola Weaver, and her father-in-law, M.C. Weaver. She also leaves one aunt, Barbara Ramsey, and other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will always keep her in their hearts.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!! (2 Corinthians 5:8).