Katie Ellen Parks Obituary (1923 - 2019)

Katie Ellen Parks, 95 of Taylorville passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 9:12 p.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville. She was born on September 23, 1923 in Nauvoo, AL the daughter of Thomas Isaiah and Alice Lavonia (Davis) Hopson. She married Robert Allen Parks on December 2, 1940 in Jasper, AL. He preceded her in death on December 17, 1999. Katie was a longtime member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Taylorville. She was loved by all who knew her. Her sense of humor, her willingness to help anyone and everyone, her love of singing hymns, and her ready smile endeared her to all she met. Katie could keep her children and countless grandchildren enthralled with her stories of growing up in the old south, her life as a stone mason’s daughter, her struggles as a new mother whose husband had gone off to war and the trials and tribulations of raising six children to adulthood. Katie was a fantastic cook with the knack for making every meal special and no one ever left her table hungry. She taught her family to never take life too seriously and most problems could be solved with “just a little piece” of something sweet and a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. And who doesn’t remember “get over here and give me a hug” “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in”, “I’m fine as frog’s hair”. Grandma, as you would say “We love you with all of our heart and part of our gizzard”. We will miss you. She is survived by her Son: Robert (Margaret) Parks Jr. of Suffield, Connecticut; Daughters: Mable (Robert) Burchett of Chatham, IL; Judy Seiler of Taylorville, IL; Mary Ann Miles and companion Ron Livingston of Taylorville, IL; Barbara (Tom) Cave of Buchanan, TN; 12 Grandchildren; 21 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great-Great Grandchildren; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband, Son: Thomas Michael Parks, granddaughter: Charley Miles, Great-Grandsons: Derrick and Logan Seiler, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the services at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Don Tewell officiating. Burial will be held in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Church of the Nazarene 300 S. Shumway St. Taylorville, IL 62568. Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.