Sgt. AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship

The Sgt. AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship is for students graduating from a public high school in Suffolk who demonstrate financial need. This is a renewable award of $1,250 per year for up to four years of study, for a total award of up to $5,000 per student.

To be considered for this scholarship, the applicant must:

• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a current resident of the City of Suffolk.
• Be a graduating senior from a public school in Suffolk.
• Plan to attend college, university, or trade school in the fall.

About AJ

Anthony Jerome Parker was born and raised in Suffolk. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School, he enlisted in the Army. He served for 22 years before retiring as First Sergeant. From there, he entered sales, and went to work at Mike Duman Auto Sales, first as a car salesman, then as finance manager. Well-liked by all, Sgt. Parker was successful throughout his career, recognized as a top salesman at Duman Auto and as a “top dog” recruiter by the Army.

Sgt. Parker was a caretaker. He gave of himself to friends and family, especially his wife, Deborah, of over 45 years, and their eight children. “He was just special,” said Mrs. Parker. “He looked out for everybody. He had a giving heart and spirit.”

Mrs. Parker couldn’t guess at how many friends and family he had helped over the years. There were just too many.

“I met AJ about 25 years ago when I was building my business,” said Carl Farris, who, along with Mike Duman, established the scholarship in memory of their friend. “In all my 40 years in the automotive business, I’ve never met a more upbeat and positive individual than AJ Parker. I mean, he could light up a room as no one else could. His glass was always full.”

That is not to say that Sgt. Parker had a carefree life. He and Mrs. Parker lost two children well before their time, including their son, Deshawn, who was shot and killed in 2006.

Carl Farris remembers the day of Deshawn’s death. “Denise and I went over to his home right after it happened. To say the least, it was very emotional. I was crying and AJ, in the middle of dealing with his grief of a father losing a son, sees me in the corner and comes over and hugs me.”

“I mean, WOW. That was AJ,” said Mr. Farris.

After that, Sgt. Parker became an advocate against gun violence. Along with his close friend Joan Turner, he started the Suffolk Advocacy Group, a resource for parents who had lost children to violence. Their group provided support and information for grieving parents, and even spawned an offshoot for siblings.

Joan Turner is yet another community member who remembers Sgt. Parker’s kindness. She recalled how every year, on Veterans Day, she got a call from AJ, who himself was a Veteran. He wasn’t calling about Veterans Day, and he wasn’t calling about himself. It was a call to check on her. November 11 was the day her son, Quantez Russell, went missing.

“He always called that day, even though Veterans Day was his day,” Ms. Turner said. “It was like having another dad. It was so easy to talk to him.”

The Sgt. AJ Parker Scholarship will do more than memorialize one man; it will pass his kindness and positivity forward. Created to help young people who would struggle to afford a higher education without a little help, the Parker Scholarship will support not only university-bound students, but also community college and trade school students.

Mr. Farris and Mr. Duman chose to start the scholarship as an endowment with the Suffolk Foundation to ensure its perpetuity. Significantly, it will also be renewable, for a total award of up to $5,000 over four years per student, so long as the student remains in good academic standing. Since most other local scholarships are one-year awards, the multi-year structure will motivate and support students to complete their education.

“The establishment of this scholarship is a fitting tribute to an individual who, despite modest beginnings and significant socio-economic challenges, overcame these obstacles to become a responsible and respected man who served both his country and his city with honor and distinction,” said Mr. Duman. “A devoted father and family patriarch, Sgt. AJ Parker stands as an enduring example for others to follow.”

“I’m honored to have been part of establishing this scholarship in AJ’s memory,” said Mr. Farris. An advocate himself for the youth of Suffolk, Mr. Farris continued: “I also think the City of Suffolk should make finding or building a replacement for Birdsong Gym a number one priority to serve the needs of our youth. I cannot think of a better way to honor AJ.”

Awardees

2026: Hannah Smith and Makayla Hayden, King’s Fork High School; Tamara Harrison, Nansemond River High School; Unique Chatmon, Lakeland High School