Helen Parker

Des Moines native Helen Frances (Bowlsby) Parker, 98, who taught English, Science and Home Economics in the Wayland and Des Moines school systems and served for more than 50 years on charitable, and Presbyterian church boards, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. She was the widow of Des Moines science teacher Charles W. Parker who died in 1977. Mrs. Parker is survived by her daughter, Jean Estelle Corbin (Lee); 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Love McCall of Santa Rosa, California, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Brad M. Parker and parents, Everette W. Bowlsby and Oleta Love Bowlsby, as well as her brothers, Richard Bowlsby, Malcom Bowlsby and sister, Martha Calland. She was a graduate of North High School and Grandview College, both in Des Moines, and of Simpson College in Indianola. She also studied at Parsons College as well as Drake University. Following her teaching career, and after her children were grown, she became a successful salesperson for Avon. Mrs. Parker was a founding member of the Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, and belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. A memorial service will be held on April 7, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service, at the church.