Eloise Parks

Eloise Parks peacefully departed this life on April 4, 2020. Born to Mary Jane and Samuel L. Banks on November 4, 1940, she was raised on a family farm in Crestwell, Alabama. She was the second oldest of 12 children and as the oldest daughter, took on a motherly role at a very young age. Her siblings included Samuel, Charlie, Shirley Jean, Leon, Truman, Mary, Betty Jean Jerry, Frank, Carolyn and Ruth Ann.

Eloise spent most of her formative years in Alabama and relocated to Buffalo, New York as a teenager. While there, she met and wed Walter Paul Parks and the two lived in France during his military service. She was a dedicated mother to 8 children: Curtis, Cortencie, Lamont, Kyle, Vivian, Melanie, Renee and Paul.

Eloise enjoyed gardening and planting flowers annually. She was an avid scratch-off player, who loved watching game shows and spending time with her loved ones. She was very protective of her family and feared no one but God. As the Matriarch of her family, she was always held in high regard for her loving spirit, humor and tell-it-like-it is personality. Eloise was a vivacious woman who left a permanent impression on everyone she encountered.

Eloise is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Paul Parks; mother, Mary; father, Samuel; brothers, Samuel James and Jerry; sisters, Carolyn and Ruth Ann; and son, Curtis.

Eloise leaves to cherish her memory, siblings, Charles (Wilma) Banks, Shirley (John) Nelms, Truman (Maybelline) Banks, Mary Banks, Leon Banks, and Frank (Janet) Banks. To carry on her legacy, Eloise leaves her devoted children, Cortencie Lavette, Lamont Parks, Kyle “Reese” Parks, Vivian Parks, Melanie Parks, Renee “NeNe” Parks and Paul “Van Del” Parks; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Eloise will be sorely missed, but her family is comforted in knowing she was Christian woman of faith. She has received her crown of glory and is in better place with no more pain and suffering. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of each family member and every person she touched with those sweet deep dimples, loving humor and graceful wisdom. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend – We will forever cherish her spirit and carry on her relentless example of strength, perseverance and tenacity. She will forever live in the hearts of those she loved.

Visitation 2:00 PM and Funeral Service 3:00 PM Saturday, April 11, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.

To stream the service return to the home page at the start of the service.