Helen J. (Clayton) Parker

Helen J. (Clayton) Parker, age 90, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, July 5, 2025, at her son’s home in Aurora, Colorado. She was a resident of Greenwood, Indiana, and a longtime member of the Morgantown community.

Helen was born on October 8, 1934, in Hoagland, Indiana, to the late John W. and Clara M. (Adair) Clayton. She graduated from Hoagland High School in 1953 and went on to earn her nursing degree in 1956 from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Indianapolis. Helen dedicated her career as a registered nurse, serving patients at both Methodist and Wishard Hospitals.

Alongside her late husband, Harold “Lee” Parker, Helen operated their family farm in rural Morgantown for over 42 years. Together, they raised registered Shorthorn cattle and harvested much of their own food. The couple also grew and sold thousands of gourds, attending gourd shows across the country—from Florida to Missouri.

Helen was a member of the Indiana Gourd Society and the Morgantown United Methodist Church, where she was also a former choir member. She was involved in Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority and the Indiana State Garden Club. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed reading (particularly the works of Danielle Steel), gardening, sewing, and spending time with her beloved family—especially her grandchildren. She was also an enthusiastic fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Harold “Lee” Parker, who passed away on June 30, 2020. They were married on August 15, 1959, in Indianapolis. Helen was also preceded in death by her siblings: Rev. Le Earl Clayton, Hester Clayton, Ruth Clayton-Coulter, Clyde Clayton, Paul Clayton, Mary Gall, and Hazel Archer.

Survivors include her sons, Paul M. Parker of Morgantown and Dr. Mark A. (Danielle) Parker of Aurora, Colorado; grandsons, Tyler, Zach and Jake Parker of Aurora, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Mark A. Parker will officiate a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15th at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home, Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. Helen will be laid to rest at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to the Morgan County Master Gardener’s Club, PO Box 308 Morgantown, IN 46160.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at meredith-clark.com.

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