Pittsburgh NAACP president Constance Parker dies at 74

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh NAACP President Constance Parker, an "outspoken civil rights leader," died Thursday at 74, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

The Tribune-Review reported that Parker, of Penn Hills, had suffered a series of strokes and had been ill "for several years," but she continued fighting for human rights.

Richard A. Stewart Jr. took over for Parker several months ago after Parker could not continue to work in the office, the Tribune-Review reported.

Steward said Parker was a “fierce fighter for the underdog,” doing whatever she could to help people.

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"A good person, a good family woman, she was there to help anyone who had a problem," Stewart said.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto was Parker’s friend for almost 30 years, calling her an “unquestionable leader."

“You never had to guess what Connie was thinking," Peduto said in a statement. "She fought for justice and she was never afraid to tell you the truth. Constance Parker was instrumental in the civil rights movement in Pittsburgh for decades."

Parker was elected as the Pittsburgh chapter’s president in 2012, previously working as a community relations coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 11 headquarters.

She was also a member of the Port Authority of Allegheny County board of directors.

The Tribune-Review reported the funeral arrangements will be handled by the Spriggs-Watson Funeral Home in Homewood.

The Port Authority released the following statement following Parker's death:

"Ms. Parker was a passionate and driven advocate for the Pittsburgh community," the release said. "During her tenure, Ms. Parker fought tirelessly for greater transit accessibility in and increased service throughout Allegheny County.

"Port Authority's Board and staff extends their condolences to Ms. Parker's family, friends, and colleagues."

Cox Media Group