All through life, Karla has had the gift of friendship.  Whether the Esquire girls during high school, her college crew, or the Sister Circle prayer group, she always surrounded herself with special people.

Education was important to Karla and she was always striving to learn more.  Karla graduated from Kirkwood Sr. High School in 1990.  There she was a member of the National Honor Society, Voices of Inspiration, Black Awareness Club (of which she served as President) and received a Gold K for achieving a 3.5 grade point average for all high school semesters.  In 1994 Karla received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri.  She went on to receive her Masters in Business Administration from Webster University.

Karla was employed with General American Life Insurance.  She began her career there in 1994.  Upon receiving her MBA, Karla was promoted to Manager with the Retirement Plans Group.  Karla studied and received her Real Estate License.  She began her real estate career with Terry Hall Realtors and later joined The Buyers Agent, where she remained.  Karla worked very hard for her clients and treated each one with a personal touch.

Karla loved the Lord and dedicated her life to serving him no matter where she was.  She received her Christian root growing up in the Kirkwood Church of God.  Karla was baptized by Rev. Sherman Drane on May 3, 1992.  While a student, she worked within the Freeman Avenue Church of God.  After graduation, Karla returned to the Kirkwood Church of God and served as a Youth Counselor.

She received direction from God to unite with Believers Temple Word Fellowship Church.  She truly believed in praising the Lord and studying Gods Word and encouraged others to do so as well.  This was evident in work as Christian Education Director, Childrens Church Teacher, and a member of the Praise Team at Believers Temple.

Karla believed in letting the Lord guide her and this allowed her to touch many lives and share her talents with many people, Churches, and Ministries.  In January 2001, Karla united with Grace Bible Church where she worked within the Childrens Church Ministry.

Family was important to Karla.  Although she had no children of her own, Karla made an effort to make children feel special.  She always took the time to share special moments with not only her Godchildren-Ashley and Devonna; nieces and nephews-Bruce, Brandon, Andrew, Joshua, Kyla, Kolin, Myia, A.J., & Jordan; Adrian & K.G., too, but every child that crossed their path.  Aunt Karla never missed a birthday, special event, or a chance to make them smile.

Karla's beautiful smile and warm spirit will always live in the hearts of her Parents-Gloria & Gus Parker; siblings-Rhonda & Bruce Burgett, Roslyn & Jeffery Croft, Arvel Todd & Cynthia Parker, and especially her life partner, her twin Karmen Rae Parker; Grandmother-Elma Webb; Aunts and Uncles-Kem & Karen Mosley, Maurice Webb, Carol Royal, Beverly Watkins, Betty Parker, Therone & Mae Frazier, Lillian Parker, Ruby Mathews, Gladys Minor and Iola Jordan; many cousins and friends.