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Obituary of Kayla Denise Parker-Tolbert
Born Kayla Denise Parker, June 29, 1971, in Detroit Michigan, to Richard and Aseneth Parker, Kayla weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds and 7 ounces. From Detroit to Chicago and back to Detroit, Kayla's leadership qualities were noticed as early as Doty Elementary School in Detroit Michigan.By the time she entered high school she was a star in training. Kayla attended Pershing High School, where she was a member of the Pershing High School Ensemble. This group performed Beethoven's Requiem Mass, "Lacrimosa". This composition influenced Kayla's budding musical ear so deeply that upon learning this difficult project, which included very intricate harmony: she then taught it to her singing group, God's Special Gift. They became well known throughout the city of Detroit for the skill with which they performed the classical piece.
Kayla accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior and continued to develop her musical ability as she served as an apprentice under the Minister of music, Ted Thomas, while attending Goodwill Community Chapel where Pastor Carol E. Hayes was her pastor.
Always a fan of Twinkie Clark, Kayla would listen to every song written and sung by the Clark sisters. She could always be found sitting at the church piano between services trying to play the Clark Sisters music. Her mother, Aseneth Parker, purchased her a piano and told her God would give her music of her own if she would listen for the harmony sung in heaven. Somehow, the Lord gave Kayla the ability to hear and produce what she heard making her a master at vocal production. As years passed Kayla became known for her ability to go into a studio and do all background vocals strategically and skillfully. Kayla also studied the music of Mark Kibble and Take 6. She called their music "Ear Candy". Anyone riding in her car while she played Take 6?s music was assigned a part to sing and were expected to perform up to par.
As a member of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Chorus, Kayla's 1989 arrangement of "Since Jesus Came Into My Life", won the conventions nationwide competition for "Song of the Year." A few years later, this arrangement was a featured selection on the album, Ron Winans Family and Friends Volume 3.
Kayla joined Perfecting Church in 1990, and continued listening to and learning music from Pastor, Marvin Winans. Kayla's song, "Now Are We" performed by the Perfected Praise Choir gained her national recognition.
Many have heard, sung and been ministered to by Kayla's music. Kayla always wanted her music to touch the hearts of those that were hurting; giving them a reason for hope with the expectation of better things to come.
As a member of the Peek-Parker family, Kayla was always mindful of the significance of family. Her mother Aseneth and brother Richard were her best friends. Her savvy leadership skills made her everyone's mother including thinking that she was her own mother's mother up until the day before she made her transition.
In 2004 Kayla married David E. Tolbert. They enjoyed life as Mr. & Mrs. Tolbert, first in Anaheim, then moving to Rancho Cucamonga in October of 2006.
Kayla was preceded in death by her "Big Mama" (Grandmother) in April of 2006.
Kayla leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, David, her mother, Aseneth Elizabeth Peek-Parker, her father Richard, stepmother Brenda and her brother and best friend, Richard Adrian Parker (Shamia), God-Parents, Bishop Dennis and Pastor Dorothy Evans of Refuge Christian Center in Pasadena, CA, her cousins, Colleen Peek-Hageman (Andrew), Hollie G. Peek III, Farah Nichols, mother-in-law, Mary Tolbert, daughter-in law Alicia Utpadel, sister-in-law DeeAnna Glenn, sister-in-law Debra Pharr, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins; also myriads of dear friends as well as loving fans extending around the globe.