Mrs. Lola Parker Dean “Difference-Maker”

Mrs. Lola Parker Dean, born December 12, 1910, to Sherd and Ribbi (Harrison) Parker, worked with twelve siblings and parents on a farm east of Porter, Oklahoma where she developed her strong work ethics. She attended the community one-room community school of Harrison Chapel and graduated Eighth grade. She returned to the farm but had a deep desire to continue her education. After two years, she traveled to Muskogee to continue her education at Manual Training High School and graduated. Lola went back to the farm; back to work where they needed her more, worked hard, prayed, and believed God would provide a way. Time passed and she continued her education at Langston University where she earned a teaching certificate. Lola returned to her Harrison Chapel to serve as principal and teacher for grades one through eighth. She never let the law deter her desire to obtain an education and pursue her dreams. Each summer, she returned to Langston to continue her education until she earned her bachelor’s degree. Later she earned her master’s from Northeastern State College (University) in Tahlequah.