The Parker and Cooper families experienced a devastating loss over the weekend when Edward Parker, his girlfriend, Nancy Cooper and their six-month old son, Jeremiah Parker Cooper perished in a house fire.

Parker’s only daughter, Sabrina Hamilton, said her father was a good man with a big heart.

Hamilton said Parker was a loyal member of Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church and will be truly missed by many in the community.

With his sister, Pearl Ducre, Parker was a caretaker for their mother, Katie Marie Dees, who is 100-years-old, Hamilton said.

Parker leaves behind his daughter and three grandchildren, 21-year-old Derionne Stewart, 11-year-old Janai Whitehead and nine-year-old DaMarion Whitehead.

Hamilton said picking up the pieces has been a struggle, but said she is relying on her faith in God to help her through the difficult time.

“My dad meant everything to me. He was my backbone,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said Cooper was a “very kind hearted person” who “loved my dad and loved my brother.”

Cathy Price has lived down the street from Parker for many years, and described him as a man of many talents who didn’t mind helping a neighbor. Anytime something broke around her house all she had to do was knock on his door and he would take time out of his busy schedule to help her, such as hanging windows or doors.

“He was a good neighbor,” Price said. “I’m going to miss him.”

Traffic along the street has increased since the fire due to a number of people passing by the house to get a look, Price said.

“It’s been a busy street in the last couple of days,” Price said.

Parker was an independently employed plumber, and typically spent his Sunday’s with his mother, Price said.

Parker was also a Vietnam Veteran.

The Edward Louis Parker memorial fund has been established at Hancock Bank in Picayune that members of the community could contribute to. Donations will be used to help the family.