Melinda Parker

Vestry

Melinda joined St James’s when she moved to RVA in 2018 on a recommendation of a native who knew Melinda’s love of choral music and liturgy. A native Washingtonian, she joined the Episcopal Church as a child when her father took the position of choirmaster and organist at All Souls Memorial (by the Zoo). Wherever life has taken her, Melinda has been involved in church life. She has served on the search committees at Winchester’s Christ Church and The Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore where she also served on the Vestry.

As a newer member at St James’s, she immediately felt welcomed by so many, and has loved being a part of the Parish Choir, volunteering with Caritas, helping with The Taste of St James’s, and contributing to our famous hospitality. She is especially grateful to two special St James’s friends who facilitated the connection to her husband, Mark Cooper. Their clan now includes Mark’s three daughters and their families, and Melinda’s two sons and their families. Melinda will soon be retiring from nursing and looks forward to spending more time with her adventurous husband and family, hiking, biking, and gathering together.