Born on April 26th, 1952, at the Gowanda TriCounty Memorial Hospital to Eugene Lawrence John Sr. and Elizabeth Jean Williams, Janet Lynn John (Seneca, Beaver clan), was the first of her siblings to be born in Gowanda. Her older two siblings, Bonnie and Randy were born in Salamanca as their father was from the Allegany territory. Then came siblings Edmund, Ross, Eugene jr., Beverly, Ann, and Lisa. When Janet was born her mother tried getting Randy, who was 2 at the time, to call Janet “beautiful baby”, but with the annunciation skills of- well, a 2-year-old “beautiful baby” became “Beeda”. Janet has been called Beeda ever since.
Growing up, Beeda first attended the Thomas Indian School (T.I.S.) in kindergarten before transferring to the Gowanda school system. Beeda was very mischievous, identifying herself as a troublemaker and a fighter back in her early days. She did not enjoy school and found herself only attending because she wanted to ride the school bus. She did, however, enjoy sports. Growing up in a large family meant she had a team for every sport such as basketball, football, and her favorite- softball. She even met her late husband, Barry Parker (Wolf clan) through sports. He was playing basketball at the community center and Beeda, always the mischievous one, began lying about her age as he was 12 years older. She would skip her photo in the yearbook so he couldn’t see that and soon enough they were raising a family together. Beeda was 18 when she gave birth to her son Lance and 16 months later came Daughter Edie (Edith).
Sports played a huge role within the Parker family. Beeda recalled how her husband, Barry loved golf. Barry also served on several Nation committees and played football, but golf was HIS thing. Beeda laughed as she shared how he wanted to change their wedding vows to “Love, honor, and never interfere with his golf”. Lance took longer to find a love in sports but eventually got involved in track, lacrosse and football, while Edie was always a cheerleader. Beeda described how Lance took after his father in that he was very studious while Edie was very much like herself- mischievous and spunky. Beeda would continue to play softball throughout her adult years playing by the lake of Evangola, State Park. Her brothers and Butch Jimerson acted as coaches and the team would go and play against other territories. Even Beeda’s grandson’s- Robert II and Vincent would inherit a love for sports, taking up basketball and lacrosse.
Church also played a major role in Beeda’s and her family’s lives. She recalled how her mother and Ethel Bray were very instrumental in the Gowanda community’s church upbringing. Furthermore, when she went to visit her grandfather, she would attend both Longhouse in Coldspring and the Presbyterian Church at Redhouse. She recalled him pulling over after she was complaining on the ride to church that she preferred longhouse. He told Beeda that he takes them to Longhouse as that is their culture, but he also takes them to church because “you need both”. Beeda emphasized the impact her grandfather had on her life how he taught her to be strong and tough, and importantly how to save money. She accredited his teachings for her climb up the secretarial ladder and ability to advocate for her rights as an employee. All of which led to her proudest accomplishments of saving enough money to build a home after 10 years of hard work and to get the Four Corners Methodist Church painted a heavenly blue later in her life.
She is reminded of her hard-earned accomplishment at every service and on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month during the Seneca Hymn Singers practice. The Seneca Hymn singers have existed for generations with members singing traditional church songs in Onöndowaʹga:ʹ gawënöʹ [Seneca Voice]. The Seneca Hymn singers primarily sing at funerals but also will sing at memorials and special events. Those who have heard the Seneca Hymn Singers sing have expressed great appreciation for the singers. The Seneca Hymn Singers are always in need of more members, welcoming people of all ages and dominations. Walk-ins are welcome to their practice 7-8 pm on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at the Four Corners Methodist Church.
In concluding her interview Beeda shared the following quote:
“But once I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now, Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”- Anonymous
Beeda takes this quote to heart living her life full of appreciations and even stopped playing cards to dissipate some of her fiery temper and hard feelings against others. She admires how she can see the humor in everything and how others know they can rely on her. Beeda often thinks about her love for her grandsons and her pride in her kids. Finally, she wishes to offer herself out as a grandmother for anyone who may need one.
Nya:wëh Beeda for sharing your story and laughter with us!