Obituary: Sharon Lucretia Parker-Love

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Sharon Lucretia Parker-Love

(nee Middleton)

Sharon Lucretia Parker-Love passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her home in Shorewood, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 29, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Sharon was the beloved daughter of the late Sanders and Cannie (née Moore) Middleton. As the daughter of a U.S. Army lieutenant, she had the unique opportunity to travel throughout the world during her childhood; experiences that helped shape her broad perspective, compassion, and appreciation for people from all walks of life.

Sharon was a proud graduate of Hirsch High School and began her professional journey by attending the nursing school at Provident Hospital in Chicago, the first African American–owned and operated hospital in the US. Committed to lifelong learning she later earned a bachelor's degree from Lewis University in Applied Behavioral Science and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Sharon navigated being a wife, mother of two and eventually grandmother of three with strength and tenacity. As a fierce advocate and friend, her values were apparent: love, truth, persistence, joy, generosity, belief and courage. She loved boldly as she showed up and cheered for her family every chance she got.

For 56 years, Sharon devoted her career to serving individuals with developmental disabilities, making an extraordinary impact on countless lives through her compassion, advocacy, and leadership. Since joining Trinity Services in New Lenox in 1989, she became a respected mentor, colleague, and champion for those she served. In recognition of her remarkable dedication and lasting contributions, she was recently honored with a Lifetime Service Award from the Developmental Disabilities Nurses’ Association.

Her commitment to serving others extended well beyond her profession. Sharon generously gave her time and talents through leadership roles on several community boards, including the Shorewood Public Library and Zonta, while actively supporting numerous other civic and charitable organizations throughout the years.

A devoted woman of faith, Sharon was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Joliet. She faithfully served as an Adult Sunday school teacher and was actively involved in the church's nursing ministry and senior ministry. She also had a longstanding faith and fellowship community, The Couples Club from the Good Shepherd Church in Chicago spanning almost fifty years, always staying connected through life’s ups and downs. Her faith guided her life and inspired her unwavering commitment to caring for and connecting with others.

Sharon embraced life with creativity, curiosity, and joy. She loved beading, embroidery, and other crafts, finding great satisfaction in creating beautiful handmade treasures for family and friends. She was also a music lover who studied and played numerous instruments, sharing her love of music throughout her life. An avid animal lover, she found comfort and happiness in the companionship of animals and never hesitated to care for those in need.

Above all, Sharon will be remembered for her generous spirit, gentle heart, steadfast faith, and lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. Her wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of service, love, and compassion will continue to inspire all whose lives she enriched.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 9½ years, Willie Love; her children, Natasha(Ryan) Parker-Galyen and Sanders “Robby” (Nicole) Parker; grandchildren, Rayelle Evans Galyen, Kaleel Parker, and Elijah Agbonehese; her siblings, Sandra Middleton and G.C. Middleton; her brothers and sister-in-love, Kelvin Love, Vince Love and Marsha Morrow and her loving cat, “Mooch” and her bird, “Clement”.Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded by her parents; her first husband, Bobby Parker; and her sister, Dr. C. Jenean Middleton.

Visitation for Sharon Lucricia Parker-Love will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will resume on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11a.m. As it was her request, cremation rites will be accorded following services and inurnment will be held privately by the family at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Trinity Services, 301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL, 60451.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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