Tuwmaa Parker — Tuwmaa Aalim Aatif Parker

Tuwmaa Aalim Aatif Parker, a multimedia technician with deep local ties, died peacefully at home in Princeton on July 18. He was 33.

Born on June 16, 1988 in Princeton, Tuwamaa is the fourth of six children born to Thomas and Joanne Parker. Educated in the Princeton Public Schools, Tuwmaa graduated from Princeton High School in 2006. He went on to attend Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and completed his degree at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. For the past several years, he worked as a multimedia technician for BlackRock Inc. in New York. Most recently, he accepted a position as an on-site production technician for Facebook through DreamTek Inc. in their New York office. He loved commuting to the city.

Tuwmaa enjoyed all things music, sports, technology, and family. He was a huge movie buff, often discussing who’s who in every movie with his dad. Tuwmaa was an avid NY Knicks and Philadelphia Eagles Fan. His greatest joy was his son, Miles Aalim Parker. His all was for him.

Not only was he a proud father, but Tuwmaa was also a loving and caring uncle, only ever wanting what was in the best interest for the kids. He took a common-sense approach to life and was a dedicated friend who always showed up and expressed genuine love. He had a warm and charismatic smile, an infectious laugh, and a comforting presence. Tuwmaa played multiple sports, but if you know Tuwmaa, you know he should have been on the debate team. To know Tuwmaa was to argue with Tuwmaa, knowing that in the end Tuwmaa still felt he was right. Disagreeing with Tuwmaa never meant any less love as he always knew what mattered most – family.

Tuwmaa is predeceased by his paternal grandmother Rutha Parker-Smith, and his maternal grandparents Edward and Gladys Rice. He is survived by: His son Miles Aalim Parker; his parents Thomas and Joanne Parker; siblings Tahira Parker, Farah Parker, Kaamilah Williams (Arterio), Jawhara Parker, Taariq Parker, and Alexzander Henriques; one niece, goddaughter Jalilah Tennin; nephews Kahlil Gordon, Arterio Jr., Asim, Ahsan, and Amir William; goddaughter Simone Henriques; God sisters Yvette Best, Kayla Elbaridi and Leia Newlin; Godbrother Trey Newlin; Godmother Sally Ann Kornegay; Godfather Leighton Newlin; aunts and uncles Lawrence Parker (Shirleen), Christeen Griffiths (Orlando), Catherine Rice-Medley (John), Barbara Rice, Penny Rice-Burnett (Michael), Eddie Rice (Yvonne), Edward Rice, Gladys Rice; great aunts Carolyn Maye and Joan Gilbert (Eddie); great uncle Arelius Mayes (Bernadette); and a host of cousins. including his special cousins Yashida Morris and Richard Wilson.

He was a friend to many but his crew consisted of Michael Gyampo, Jason Barry, Keith Ragoonanan, Kenny Bullock, Jason Doub, Glenn Ferguson, Anthony, Aaron, and Marcus Brown.

Blessed with an abundance of love

The Parker family would like to express our deep gratitude for the love and care that we continue to receive from countless friends, neighbors, and organizations in response to the passing of Tuwmaa Aalim Aatif Parker, our beloved son, brother, father, nephew, godson, uncle, and friend.

Sincerely,

Thomas and Joanne Parker, Miles Aalim Parker, Tahira Parker, Farah Parker, Kaamilah Williams, Jawhara Parker, Taariq Parker, Alexzander Henriques