Early Years and Education
Mrs. Parker was born to Racia E. Dickerson and the former Addie Graham in Fullerton in Vernon Parish. She grew up in nearby Oakdale in Allen Parish. She attended Northwestern State University (then College) in Natchitoches on a scholarship recommended by one of her Oakdale High School teachers, William J. "Bill" Dodd, later the Louisiana lieutenant governor and superintendent of education. Miss Dickerson received her bachelor's degree in 1941. She was a social worker in Allen Parish from 1941–1943, while she also obtained a diploma in social work from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1943.
During World War II, Miss Dickerson was the personnel administrator for the War Department's Camp Claiborne from 1943-1947. From 1947-1948, she was the editor of the Oakdale Journal.
Read more about this topic: Mary Evelyn Parker
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