Obituary of Ann M. Parks
Ann Mae Parks passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 27, 2023 at the age of 79.
Ann was born on July 12, 1943 in Earle, Arkansas to Leslie and Blanche (Conley) Miller. As a young woman she moved to Joliet, Illinois, where she met and married Dennis H. Parks. At the center of her heart were their three children, twin daughters, Lisa and Lori, and son, Kevin.
Aunt Mae or Nana as she was known, will forever be remembered for her kind loving nature. She gave birth to three children but she loved and mothered many others. In her spare time she enjoyed making quilts, crocheting baby blankets and making her family's favorite desserts. Ann was also fiercely independent and had an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile, a sweet spirit and always gave selflessly to those in need.
Ann was employed in Food and Nutrition Services at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where she retired after 22 years of service.
Ann was a believer in Christ and attended St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Drummonds, TN and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Lockport, IL where she was baptized in October of 2001.
As her health declined, Ann was in the exceptional care of her daughters. Their devotion to her was simply a reflection of the wonderful mother she had always been to her children.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Blanche (Conley) Miller; husband, Dennis H. Parks; sister, Florine Hamilton; brothers, Robert and James Miller; and special brother-in-law, Woodrow Holman.
She leaves a lifetime of cherished memories to her children, Lisa, Lori and Kevin Parks; two beloved grandsons, Ahmad and Naji Parks; and two granddaughters, Mya and Jada Parks. She is also survived by her siblings, Earma Smith, Blanche Holman, Ida Jackson (Howard), Betty Rivers (Johnny), Maxine Miller, William “Sonny” Miller (Regina), Archie Miller, Arthur Miller (Arnette), Leslie “Ricky” Miller Jr; as well as a host of other family and friends.
The family of Ann Mae Parks is sincerely thankful for all of the calls, cards, flowers, prayers and expressions of love shown during this time of bereavement. Special thanks to Lightways Hospice for their exemplary support services.
A Memorial Gathering for Ann Mae Parks will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 9:30 a.m., until the time of Memorial Services at 10:30 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431.
