Beth Parker: retired teacher sees a purpose in everything

             By Katie Pittser
           NPT Staff Reporter
           The Newport Plain Talk

Antiquing and trash picking are some her favorite things to do, as Mary Elizabeth Parker (Beth) spends her time repurposing everything she finds.

Raised in Athens, OH, Parker said that her hometown is not any different from here.

"I remember living in town until World War II began," said Parker. "My parents decided to move to a farm, as they believed we could make a better living for the family. The area in southern Ohio is similar to here because it is very mountainous. Our town was close to Parkersburg, West Virginia."

This 80-year-old independent woman, who will celebrate her 81st birthday in March, talked about her determination while she worked her way through school and graduated as a teacher who specialized in reading. Parker explained that she was certified to teach any grade from first all the way through high school. She taught art for a time during her tenure, then pioneered a special needs school in Ohio.

I did teach for three years in a Catholic school, said Parker. I was a lay teacher. The nun, who taught the class, had a voice that would give out by noon, so I was hired to teach the class in the afternoons. I saw the other side of things as the church changed they hired me, and I am not a Catholic, I’m a Methodist.

In 1960, when John F. Kennedy ran for office, a woman I knew had a special needs child and back in those days they were kept [in the dark] when it came to education. She and I decided to start a school in an old storefront. We had 24 students. At the time, I drove an old station wagon, and, with no insurance mind you, I went to each house and picked up every child for school, Parker continued. As Kennedy was campaigning, he heard of our school.  It was only the second school of its kind in Ohio. His sister was special needs, so it piqued his interest and asked to come for a visit. I showed him around our little school. It was quite an opportunity.

After spending three years in the school and three years at the Catholic school, Parker taught public school for the rest of her career. Her husband, the late Bob Parker, was also a teacher. After relocating to Cosby in 1980, Beth substituted at Cosby School.

At the time, Freddie James was the principal down there, and they needed a math and science teacher, said Parker. Bob filled the position, which was supposed to be for one year, and he liked it. He taught there for 15 years.

Parker's love for art and creating things has stuck with her through years. After moving to Cosby, she was a member of different art groups and took classes in Kingsport and Asheville. She has a small studio next to her home that overlooks the creek. Her playhouse keeps her busy, as she is always knocking down and tearing stuff apart.

Years ago, I used others' designs and ideas and patterns, then I thought that was sort of cheating, said Parker. Now I just do what I can on my own. Everything is original, and there's not another like it. It's unique.

The majority of the treasures that fill Parker's log cabin home are repurposed items that she has restored and  painted on. Her love for antiquing and art fills her home and both rental homes she owns, which sit just below her property.

We spent the summers down here and decided to move in 1980, recalled Parker. It will be 31 years this June that I have lived here. I remember my husband always had the idea to restore old log cabins. They were everywhere at one time because they were becoming scarce.

Parker explained that log cabin homes are sometimes difficult to maintain due to every bug that comes along just wants to get in them.

She still maintains the log home she lives in, the Bean Cabin, which she rents, and the cottage she also rents.

I think I have done well with them and kept up with the yards, said Parker, who lives alone after her husband passed away in Sept. 1996. It's a challenge to get older and rely on yourself. I strongly believe you have to find the inner strength and keep going. You can't rely on others to do everything for you or you will just shrivel up. And it helps to be happy. I am happy all the time.

Parker believes that no one should be caught dead without faith. She is very active in Liberty Community Church in Cosby. She explained that she went to Grace Baptist Church for a short time before moving to Liberty after Pastor John Rush began ministering there.

It's not a stuffy place. It's very friendly and has a wonderful outreach, said Parker.

She stays involved with church activities mostly and is looking forward to the new senior outreach program the church is beginning. She calls herself a kind of resource person as many people from the congregation have sought her out for counseling and general advice such as referring a good dentist.

In her spare time, Parker enjoys sitting on the porch of her playhouse and absorbing the beauty of nature around her. She explained that she feels blessed to live in this area.

I would rather live here than anywhere else, said Parker. I observe nature closely. Our streams and forests are a blessing. Sitting by a stream whenever you can oxidizes your brain and refreshes your eyes. I always watch for the first crocus and the violets.

A daily reader who limits her TV usage, Parker makes sure to exercise daily.

At my age, a good diet with exercise is important. I have three braided throw rugs that I routinely take on the porch and shake out, said Parker. I shake five times on each side. It's a pretty good workout. I also push my vacuum cleaner in long sweeps as I clean the house. I used to attend water aerobics classes at the Gatlinburg Community Center weekly. I plan to get into it when the weather is better. And I do walk up and down the road. It's such a nice place to walk, especially after the road was paved.

Parker says she cooks everything and does not rely on boxed meals.

I’ve always liked to cook. I believe in peeling my own potatoes and mashing them, laughed Parker.

In addition to her independent lifestyle, Parker handles her own taxes and business dealings, but gets advice to double check herself. She takes life with a grain of salt and makes it a point to stay connected and interested in everything.

Parker said she has never been afraid to live alone, even in the Cosby area, as many people she met over the years question the safety of the area.

I believe that young people and children are a great blessing to the elderly, said Parker.

I have two children, two grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. My son and my grandson, Bobby, live in Houston. My other grandson, Jim, lives in Charlotte. He works for Microsoft. They sent him to school and he will graduate in May. They all think I am 29 years old, laughed Parker.

While keeping up with what's new, Parker says she thinks it helps to have good friends to buck you up. She explained that she is good friends with Mary Woody of Hartford and Mary Beam of Cosby. Parker also said she takes outings with neighbor Beth Pittser.

Beth and I just have such fun, said Parker. She is so creative. I usually suggest something or wonder what we could do with some of the treasures we find. Beth is always the one to carry them out. I see a lot of myself in her at that age.

When recalling her years, Parker said, I believe these last few years have been the best in my life. Of course, they would have been better if I had my husband with me, but God had a different plan for him, and I am not one to dispute that. I'm happy and that helps.