Parker named to Women's Hall of Fame

All of the clubs and committees. All of the volunteer work. All of the years of public service.

Linda Parker did all of those things just to try to make Crestview and Okaloosa County a better place for all to live.

Parker’s efforts were recognized Tuesday when she was inducted into the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame during a reception at the Niceville Community Center.

The Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes and honors women who through their lives and efforts make a significant contributions and quality-of-life improvements.

The event was sponsored by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women. Parker, a Crestview City Council member since 1999, was the contemporary inductee for 2008.

“I’m humbled,” Parker said. “I think of the ladies who have been inducted before me. … I admire them and I am very honored to have been chosen.”

In addition to her service on the city council, Parker currently volunteers her time and serves on committees for more than a dozen civic and community groups.

Community leaders commended Parker for her public and behind-the-scenes work.

“Linda has a long history of quiet, solid accomplishments to the betterment of Okaloosa County and the well-being of women of Okaloosa County,” Judge Patt Maney wrote in a letter of recommendation.

“Linda does so much for people in a very quiet manner, also for charitable causes, and is a fine representative of an Okaloosa County native being totally involved in community life,” wrote Supervisor of Elections Pat Hollarn.

Parker and her husband, Bill, have three grown children and several grandchildren.

She still works to help young people. Two of her favorite contributions – the children’s playground at Twin Hills Park and her time in an organization that was the forerunner of today’s city recreation program – directly benefit countless area children.

Nellie Bogar of Youth Village and longtime teacher Champee Kemp also were part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2008. Other nominees were Elise B. Garrett, Mitzi Prince Henley, Mary Ida O’Daniels, Joyce Sanders and Joyce Shanahan.