Mary Marie (Thomas) Parks

Mary Marie Thomas Parks, 92, of Woodsfield, Ohio [formerly of Marr, Ohio] departed this life March 9, 2021 at the Arbors of Woodsfield, Ohio.

She was born near Germantown, Ohio [Washington County] on February 11,1929, a daughter of the late Jewett A. and Lola Lindamood Thomas.

Mary was baptized at the age of 13 on May 21, 1942 and was a member of the Dalzell Church of Christ, later placing her membership at the Creighton Ridge Church of Christ near Sycamore Valley, Ohio.

She was a 1947 graduate of Salem-Liberty High School, Lower Salem, Ohio, where she was class valedictorian and was offered a scholarship to Marietta College. But she chose instead to begin working for the Washington County Treasurer in Marietta, OH. Mary could read music and play the piano, which was exceptional in those days.

Mary was united in marriage to Walter L. Parks on June 10, 1950.

Most of her life was spent in the Marr Community where, for several years, she owned and operated the Parks General Store, along with her husband, Walter. Mary had a loving heart ministering to anyone in need, those of her church family and the community. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, embroidering, cooking, baking, crossword puzzles and feeding the birds. She was an exceptional cook and baker. She was a gracious hostess to all who visited their home.

She was a good wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and was faithful in attending church services as long as her health permitted. One of her favorite scriptures was Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter L. Parks, on April 7, 2000 and a brother, Brady W. Thomas, on October 4, 2000.

While ministering and caring for others, Mary modeled God’s unconditional love to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memories six children: Julie (Mike) Jones of Woodsfield, Ohio; Mark (Julie) Parks of Flatwoods, KY; Marla Parks of Marietta, Ohio; William Parks of Lower Salem, Ohio; Lisa (Larry) Gibson of Vienna, WV; Kent (Tina) Parks of Reno, Ohio; Fourteen grandchildren: Corey (Laikyn) Jones, Nathan (Davonne) Parks, Anna (Corey) Bean, Jordan Parks, Michelle (John) Barnhart, Rachel Weaver, Lucas Parks, Tyler (Melonna) Gibson, Brooke (Luke) Davis, Chloe (Ezra) Ward, Spencer Parks, Reece (Lauralye) Parks, Lydia Parks, Maggie Parks; Eleven Great-Grandchildren: Lily, Grace & Noah Parks, Emma Bean, Connor Parks, Owen & Chase Barnhart, Adelyn Gibson, Cooper & Easton Davis, Ivy Ward & one on the way [Gus Ward]; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was loved more than words can express and will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78 West, Woodsfield, OH from 2:00 to 4:00 & 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, March 12, 2021, where funeral services being held at 11:00 on Saturday, March 13, 2021 with Roger Rush officiating. Burial will follow in the Creighton Ridge Cemetery near Sycamore Valley, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Creighton Ridge Church of Christ, 36800 State Route 260, Graysville, OH 45734 or the Bethel Community Center, c/o Susan Scarbro, 34108 Merrill Ridge Road, Graysville, OH 45734.

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