Leslie Marella Horton Parker

Leslie Marella Horton Parker, 60, of Portsmouth VA, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2015. She was born in Hollywood CA to Cameron and Viola Horton. Leslie graduated from Eau Claire High School in Columbia SC and received her BA in Art and German from Berry College in Rome GA and her MFA in Theater and Speech from the University of SC in Columbia SC. She also studied Art History in Europe with Dr. Marie Quinsac, with an emphasis on Post-Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism. Studies in theater included work with Dr. Russell Green of Harvard School of Drama. As a recipient of the Margaret Kopenhaver Award in Education, Leslie was chosen to study with Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University, she author of "Multiple Intelligences". She also received her Teaching Licensure from Texas A & M . Ms. Parker was an accomplished artist and instructor at Studio One at Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth. Her paintings have been featured in exhibits throughout the southeast, and in the March 2009 issue of American Art Collector magazine. She was a most enthusiastic, fun loving, and passionate teacher to many adults, as well as children, allowing them to develop their own unique, artistic styles. She was a former member of the Chesapeake Bay Artists Association and a volunteer for the Tidewater Arts Outreach, Portsmouth Children's Museum, and at the Portsmouth Arts and Cultural Center. Leslie served on the History Commission, as well as on the board of Supporters of Portsmouth Public Art. She was also the city representative to the board of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads. Leslie's beautiful, generous, fun, creative spirit, love of people, life, and laughter, will be celebrated Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 11 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, 424 Washington Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. A procession to Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth for interment and a reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal's Children's Ministry where Leslie worked as the Assistant Director of the Children's Ministry. Leslie is survived by her son Cody C. Parker of Richmond VA, her mother Viola Horton of Columbia SC, sister Celva M. Horton of Savannah GA, and two brothers, Gary C. Horton and Edward L. Horton of Lexington SC. She is also survived by her very special friend Robert Scholes of Portsmouth VA. She was preceded in death by her father Cameron Horton. Her positive, encouraging outlook & infectious smile will be greatly missed by many. Portsmouth has lost a truly special lady. Funeral services will be held Thurs, Sept 3, 2015 at 11 am at St John's Episcopal Church, 424 Washington St, Portsmouth VA.