Mary Evelyn Parker

Mary Evelyn Parker (November 28, 1920 – January 17, 2015) was an American education, newspaper editor, and politician who served as the Treasurer of Louisiana from 1968 to 1987. She was the first woman to serve in the position.

Early life and education

Mary Evelyn Dickerson was born in Fullerton, Louisiana. Her father, Racia Dickerson, worked at a saw mill and her mother, Addie née Graham Dickerson, was a homemaker. She studied at Northwestern State University, where she competed on the debate team.

Career

She taught English and edited the Oakdale Journal before her career in public office. She also worked as a real estate agent.

She narrated gubernatorial candidate Earl Long's speeches on the radio for his campaign in 1948.

She succeeded A. P. Tugwell as Louisiana State Treasurer in 1968. She resigned as State Treasurer in 1987 was succeeded by Mary Landrieu.

Death

She died at her home in Baton Rouge at age 94.

References

1920 births

2015 deaths

20th-century American businesswomen

20th-century American businesspeople

20th-century American educators

20th-century American newspaper editors

20th-century American politicians

American real estate brokers

Northwestern University alumni

People from Vernon Parish, Louisiana

Schoolteachers from Louisiana

State treasurers of Louisiana

Teachers of English

Women in Louisiana politics

Women newspaper editors

Women state constitutional officers of Louisiana

20th-century American women educators

20th-century American women politicians

21st-century American women