Ex-Police Chief’s Widow Is Buried

Helen Amelia Parker, 91, widow of legendary Los Angeles Police Chief William H. Parker, was eulogized Wednesday as an unwavering supporter of law enforcement and animal rights during funeral services at Granada Hills Community Church.

Parker, who died Feb. 10 in Silver Lake, was memorialized by LAPD Chief Bernard C. Parks as a woman who fiercely protected her husband’s private life from the pressures of forging and sustaining one of the nation’s largest police departments.

Former Chief Ed Davis, rank-and-file officers and relatives also attended Wednesday’s services, which were conducted by department chaplain Steve Hillmann.

In his eulogy, Parks said the only time he could recall having seen Parker was at her husband’s funeral in 1966, yet he felt “the same obligation to be here today as I did when Chief Parker died.”

Even though Chief Parker received the accolades and criticism that came with leading a big city police department during a period of tumultuous social upheaval, Parks said Parker’s job would have been far more difficult without a supportive spouse.

“If we have any success in our lives, it’s because someone is taking care of the home front while we make a career,” Parks said from the pulpit.

Then looking at the closed white casket, Parks said, “A job well done, Mrs. Parker. Thank you for all you have done, and we honor you today for your commitment.”

Born Helen Amelia Schultz on Jan. 15, 1909, in Pennsylvania, Parker was 19 when she married rookie patrolman Bill Parker in 1928. The couple had no children.

Parker supported her husband as he divided his time between police work and his studies at Los Angeles College of Law, where he earned a law degree in 1930.

When her husband returned from a stint in the U.S. Army after World War II, the couple resumed their fishing and hunting trips. Parker participated in garden clubs and civic groups and enjoyed going to the horse races.

In August 1950, she immersed herself in a new role as “first lady of the LAPD.”

After her husband’s death from a heart attack on July 16, 1966, Parker received numerous donations that she used as seed money to create the Parker Foundation, which provides funding for police training not covered by city allocations.

Parker’s estate will be equally divided between the foundation and the city Department of Animal Regulation, said Sgt. Kieth W. Moreland of the Police Department’s employee assistance unit.

Parker is survived by a brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.