In Memory Of
Mary Lu Parks
1928
2015
Mary Lu Parks
March 27, 1928 — March 2, 2015
Mary Lu Parks, 86, of Topeka, KS formerly of Columbia, MO passed away March 2, 2015. She was born March 27, 1928 in Akron, Ohio to Bernal and Ethel Bodkin. Growing up in New Jersey outside New York City, she enjoyed dancing, cheerleading, theater, the seashore and Girl Scouts.
Her adventurous spirit led her to the University of Tennessee where she one was one of eight women to earn a B.S. in Business Administration in 1949. She was active on campus and was President of Kappa Delta sorority. On April 19, 1950 she married the love of her life, Robert G. Parks, in Cleveland, Tennessee.
She was a homemaker, volunteer, writer and businesswoman. An accomplished seamstress and avid gardener, she added beauty to the world around her.
She was a life long volunteer and gave her talents to Girl Scouts, Literacy Action Corps, politics and the Presbyterian Church.
She was employed by Ball Seed Company in West Chicago, IL until 1980 and later became an entrepreneur who owned and operated FloraScope Communications of Birmingham, AL, retiring in 1990.
After retirement she and Bob moved to Columbia, MO and enjoyed dear friends, traveling the world and visiting their three daughters and seven grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, MO and a current member of First Congregational Church, Topeka, KS. She and Bob were strong supporters of education and the University of Tennessee.
Her family will affectionately remember her optimism, determination, curious nature, and her openness to others and the world.
Survivors include three daughters, Laura Parks Carr (Dr. Neil), Topeka, Marty Colwell (Pat), Waterloo, IA and Mary Parks Stier (Jeff), Des Moines IA; seven grandchildren, Meredith Cathey (Aaron), Alex Carr (Jamie), Phillip Carr, Amy Colwell Reedy (Tyler), Ann Colwell, Ryan Stier and Emma Stier; and one great-grandson, Owen Carr. And she loved them all.
She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother, Edward "Bart" Bodkin.
Honoring her request, Mary Lu was cremated. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held April 20 at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, KS 66604. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 am. Private inurnment of her and her husband's cremains will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN.
Mary Lu bloomed wherever she was planted. In lieu of sending flowers in her memory, the family suggests you send flowers to someone you love in her honor. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt, St, Columbia MO 65201, First Congregational Church, Topeka, or Midland Care Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka is assisting the family.
Her adventurous spirit led her to the University of Tennessee where she one was one of eight women to earn a B.S. in Business Administration in 1949. She was active on campus and was President of Kappa Delta sorority. On April 19, 1950 she married the love of her life, Robert G. Parks, in Cleveland, Tennessee.
She was a homemaker, volunteer, writer and businesswoman. An accomplished seamstress and avid gardener, she added beauty to the world around her.
She was a life long volunteer and gave her talents to Girl Scouts, Literacy Action Corps, politics and the Presbyterian Church.
She was employed by Ball Seed Company in West Chicago, IL until 1980 and later became an entrepreneur who owned and operated FloraScope Communications of Birmingham, AL, retiring in 1990.
After retirement she and Bob moved to Columbia, MO and enjoyed dear friends, traveling the world and visiting their three daughters and seven grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, MO and a current member of First Congregational Church, Topeka, KS. She and Bob were strong supporters of education and the University of Tennessee.
Her family will affectionately remember her optimism, determination, curious nature, and her openness to others and the world.
Survivors include three daughters, Laura Parks Carr (Dr. Neil), Topeka, Marty Colwell (Pat), Waterloo, IA and Mary Parks Stier (Jeff), Des Moines IA; seven grandchildren, Meredith Cathey (Aaron), Alex Carr (Jamie), Phillip Carr, Amy Colwell Reedy (Tyler), Ann Colwell, Ryan Stier and Emma Stier; and one great-grandson, Owen Carr. And she loved them all.
She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother, Edward "Bart" Bodkin.
Honoring her request, Mary Lu was cremated. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held April 20 at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, KS 66604. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 am. Private inurnment of her and her husband's cremains will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN.
Mary Lu bloomed wherever she was planted. In lieu of sending flowers in her memory, the family suggests you send flowers to someone you love in her honor. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt, St, Columbia MO 65201, First Congregational Church, Topeka, or Midland Care Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka is assisting the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Lu Parks, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, April 20, 2015
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
First Congregational Church
Memorial Service
Monday, April 20, 2015
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
First Congregational Church
Guestbook
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