Eminent Homemaker
County: Potter
Jeannette Parker has always been interested in providing new information on techniques and trends for the betterment of rural families. Her first job after graduating from South Dakota State University in 1944 with a degree in Home Economics, was a Home Agent in Gettysburg. She organized the River's Edge and Progressive Homemakers Extension Clubs, and is now an active member of the Good Luck Club.
Recently, she was responsible for reviving open class exhibits at the Potter County Fair. She has held several clothing construction workshops for 4-H members, and gave of her time to privately tutor 4-H members in sewing construction. She served as judge for neighboring counties dress reviews and county fair competition. She served 17 years as a home economics teacher in Agar and Gettysburg, and was a strong, positive influence for youth. She also served as advisor to the Future Homemakers of America, and two of her students became state officers.
She has also worked part-time at the Potter County Library. Parker and her husband Clint have been active members of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association for 35 years. She is a charter member of the Medicine Rock Cow-Belles, now Cattlewomen. She has held all of the offices, including president and district II director of the South Dakota Cattlewomen. They are also long-time Farm Bureau members, participating at the local, state and national levels. She has also served on the Potter-Sully Farmers Home Administration Board and was a Girls State Counselor in 1973.
She is an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving on the Church Board, singing in choir, and teaching Sunday school classes. Jeannette is a charter member of the Potter County Republican Women, serving as secretary for six years and delegate to several state meetings, election boards and committees. She is also a charter member of the Gettysburg Branch of the American Association of University Women and has served as president and secretary. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Member of the South Dakota Cattlewomen, County and District Farm Bureau Woman of Achievement, and Honorary Member of the Future Homemakers of America.
Jeannette and her husband Clint have two children: Jo Ann Shea of Bison; and Dan of Gettysburg. Both are graduates of South Dakota State University.