Michael Irving Parham

Michael Irving Parham was born to the late Charles Parham and Bessie (Parham) Williams on December 13, 1954 in Queens, New York. God called him peacefully home surrounded by his family on August 26, 2026. He was an only child. 

Michael dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Queens, New York, under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Dr. Sandy F. Ray. He served on the Youth Usher Board. After graduating from high school, Michael worked for Macy's Department Store in Queens, New York and the New York Housing Authority. He enlisted in the United States Navy and received an Honorable Discharge. In 2007, he met and married Gloria Oliver. 

Michael enjoyed spending time his family, automobile racing, world history, listening to audio books and traveling. He took pride in remembering family birthdays and calling family members every year. He was affectionately known as "Dad", "Hubby", "Papa", "OG", "Uncle Mike", "Cousin Michael", "Mopar Mike" and "Mr. P". 

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife over 18 years, Minister Gloria Oliver Parham, two sons, Anthony Parham (JaBobbie) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and William Parham and Robin Hodge of Charleston, South Carolina; two daughters, Felisha Brewer (Michael) of Gresham, Oregon and Keisha Weems (Donovan) of Vancouver, Washington; nine grandchildren, Michael, Zach, Jordan, Katie, Nathan, Freddie, Lynnea, Leah and Ethan; one uncle, Lester Williams (Inita) of Middletown, Ohio; three aunts, Mabel V. Hines of Stafford, Virginia, Sarah Parham of Hackensack, New Jersey and Carolyn J. Williams of Midlothian, Virginia; four sisters-in-law, Isabell Oliver of Seattle, Washington, Dianna Carrere (Kevin) of Tacoma, Washington, Patricia Bailey (Anthony) of Seattle, Washington, and Vada Oliver-Talbert of Hyattsville, Maryland; one brother-in-law, Travis P. Barnes; three godchildren, Jennell Purvis, GeNece Speech and Breland Graves; devoted cousins, Willard, Debbie and Misha Hines, Arnold and Christine Jones, Ray Williams, Ruth Parham, Fonda Williams, John and Starcia McNeill, Ardys and Ghetai Scott and Rev. Dr. Ashanti Wright; a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, extended family members and friends. 

We will miss his beautiful smile and the compassion he shared with everyone he came in contact with. Michael made friends with everyone and will truly be missed by the many lives he touched. While his physical presence is no more, his example of love, caring, and willingness to help others will forever inspire every life he touched. We will continue his legacy and cherish the precious memories in our hearts forever. 

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 4, 2026, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor/eulogist and Rev. Dr. Angel White, officiant. The interment will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. 

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6157620?fl=so&fe=fs