In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate to this organization.https://www.communitygroupinc.org/

Celebration of Life for Joseph Lawrence Parker October 6, 1940 – May 17, 2026 On October 6, 1940, Joseph Lawrence Parker, known as “Jo Jo”, was born fourth of seven children to the late James and Lucy Parker. His parents traveled from Bertie County, North Carolina up the Chesapeake Bay in a steamboat to Baltimore, Maryland. Joe was born in East Baltimore but moved to Turners Station when he was 5 years old. He attended elementary school, 2 years of middle school, and was introduced to sports while in Turner Station. Joe completed middle school while living in Cherry Hill, where he played his first game of organized basketball. The family then moved back to East Baltimore, where Joe attended Carver Vocational Technical High School.

 At Carver, Joe played on the JV Basketball team in the 10th grade and Varsity Basketball Team in the 11th and 12th grades. He was named to the First Team All Maryland Scholastic Athletic Association in his senior year at Carver, while leading the league in scoring. After graduating from Carver, Joe attended Virginia State, and North Carolina Central, formerly known as North Carolina College. While at North Carolina College he was named All-CIAA, All Conference and Small College All American. Joe left North Carolina College in June 1964. 

Throughout his basketball journey Joe formed many great relationships with people such as Gus Johnson, Earl Monroe, Phil Chenier, Mike Davis and Wes Unseld. He continued to play basketball, for a few years, with the Harlem Astronauts and the Harlem Magicians, which were spino]s of the Harlem Globetrotters. While in New York,Joe joined the National Guard, where he played basketball with his unit’s team. In 1972, believe it or not, he became the manager of “the Persuaders”, a singing group whose first million selling hit was “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”. 

After living between New York and Baltimore for several years, Joe finally moved back to East Baltimore where he wanted to give back to the youth of the City. He became a middle school substitute teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools. He formed a close friendship with Coach Bob Wade and his family and became a true supporter of the Poets Basketball teams. He attended, most if not all the practices and games and enjoyed assisting the young athletes. Bob also introduced Joe to the basketball summer camp circuit, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Until 2004, Joe worked many college and NBA camps, where he formed lasting relationships. P.L.A.Y., U of Kansas, UMass, UNLV, and Spurs were just a few of the organizations where he spent parts of his summer. Joe also, had the opportunity to reconnect with friends, Wes and Connie Unseld, where he managed their clinics and camps at the Unseld School during the summer. 

Joe gave back and loved his East Baltimore community and the world of sports. He treasured his friends and relationships deeply and gave of himself to the youth of Baltimore. He enjoyed visiting flea markets on the weekend and caring for his cars. Joe was a friendly, funny, and caring man who could tell the best stories. Our lives have been enriched by knowing Joe Parker. 

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Elmer, Daniel, Nelson; 3 Sisters, Mary Allen, Thelma Parker, Vanessa Toles; 2 nieces, Amelia, and Amanda Cates. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his best friend and companion of 38 years Helen K. Galinis; 3 devoted self-adopted sons, Daryl Wade, Calvin Scruggs, Donte Bright; nieces, nephews, and hundreds of friends, students and neighbors.