"ONE IN A MILLION – ED"

Edward Parham, affectionately known as Ed, Eddie or Bone, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Ed was the second youngest child of twelve born on February 24, 1939, to the late Bert and Fannie Parham in Chesterfield County, Virginia. They were known as the "Parham Dozen". The greatest memories of Ed's childhood were growing up on the Greenleaf Dairy Farm which he enjoyed along with his brothers and sisters. Ed was always entertaining people and he loved to make them laugh.

Ed was educated at Matoca Grade School and went on to Peabody H.S. where he was an all-around athlete. He played basketball, football, baseball, wrestled and was a member of ROTC. Ed was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football and basketball. After graduating from H.S. he went to Virginia State College in Petersburg on an athletic scholarship, majoring in elementary education. His years there were spent playing football, basketball, and baseball. Ed's coach accepted a job at Lincoln University in Missouri and Ed followed.

In 1965 Ed was recruited by a semi-pro football team, the Joliet Explorers. He left college and moved to Joliet, Illinois. Two years later, the San Diego Chargers took on the Joliet Explorers as an affiliate and they became known as the Joliet Chargers. Ed was best known for his "punting ability", one time kicking the ball 75 yards!

It wasn't long before Ed got acquainted with a young lady named Gloria DeShazer. Their friendship developed into a relationship that led to a decision to marry. With little money they planned a wedding and on December 17, 1966, they began their life together. In addition to his wife, Ed inherited three children, a son and two daughters. Because of his sincere love for them, he officially adopted them on November 26, 1969, and they became Parham.

Ed worked for Crowther Roofing and became a member of Local #11 Roofers Union, establishing his career. He retired January 1, 2002 and he has 56 years as a union member. When Ed wasn't working, he gladly engaged in activities around the house, he was an all-around guy.

The greatest trial Ed faced was when he had a serious accident on the roof and severely burned his hand. This was not only a very painful experience, but it resulted in a lengthy stay in the hospital and months of follow-up care. This is probably the only time in Ed's life that he was sad, for he couldn't play sports. After some months, one day Ed went to a softball game, and someone asked him to hit the ball. He hit it out the park and once again he was back with his love – sports!

Ed loved mentoring at George Werden Buck Boys Club and Joliet YMCA where he was a referee for youth basketball. He also was an assistant coach for the Joliet Raiders Youth Football Team. He encouraged not only his family members, but countless numbers of children to perfect their skills on the field, on the floor and in life. He became a State Official referee for (IHSA) high school basketball, as well as bowling with East Star, Jack and Jill, Tuesday Night Strikers and the Southside League.

Ed also played softball with the Crowther Roofing Co. (his employer), Bad News and Sippin EZ teams, gaining two trophies for Home Run Champion. Many trophies were awarded through the various activities.

Ed's spiritual journey began at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA where he received the Lord and attended along with his family. On July 24, 2009, he rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized at Christian Faith Center Church. In January of 2015, Ed and his wife became members of Restoration Christian Church, Shorewood, IL.

Ed, when looking back at his life said if he had to redo it, he wouldn't change a thing. Although Ed and Gloria both regret not having a relationship with Jesus Christ early in their marriage, fortunately they spent many wonderful years together in the church.

For 56 years Ed and Gloria faced many trials but had even more triumphs. Ed always stood tall, no matter what was going on. He refused to hate anyone, even those who wronged him; he never stayed angry, no matter what the offense. Even during his last years where his health was challenged, Ed kept a smile on his face and gave everyone who came to his home a reason to laugh.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Gloria, three children Marcus and Lisa Parham and Carmen (Jerome Deceased) Abbott and one very special daughter, Paula Boozer. Eleven Grandchildren: Gina, Andre (Michelle), Mario (LaKisha), Remy, Justin and Quince Parham, Arlisha Mabery, Tanisha (Derrick) Martin, Ashley Veasy, Kenya Houston and LaTara Houston.

Thirty-five Great Grands and two Great-Great Grands. A sister, Mattie Bell (Petersburg, VA) and brother, Samuel (Frances) Parham, St. Petersburg, FL, sister-in-love, Alma Jean Boyden-DeShazer (Pasadena, CA), two God Sons: Marcus Gordon and Robert Clayton, Jr. (Robin), numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and caregivers.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and five brothers in love: Sue (Robert) Jones, Lucy (Joseph) Wood, Elizabeth (Joseph) Williams, Fannie Hamilton, Nannie (Waverly) Bonner and William Bell. Four brothers and sisters in love: Bert Jr. (Catherine), James, Charlie (Thad), and Leroy Parham, three nephews, one niece and Gloria's parents: Laura Williams (Nana) and Willie Lee (Areatha) DeShazer.