Billie Jean Parks

On February 19, 2021, Billie Jean Parks got her wings and went to walk with the angels. She was 86 years old. Mrs. Billie Jean Parks was born January 28th, 1935 in Leeds, Alabama to the union of the late Joe and Lillie (Bell) Bowie. She was the seventh child of nine children and the last living sibling of this union.

Billie attended school in Leeds, Alabama, where she met and married Reverend Clarence Parks in 1954. This marriage was blessed with six children, Larry, Clarence Jr., Andrae, Anita, Reggie and Michael.

Billie was a hard worker and dedicated twenty-one years to Peter Eckrich before retiring. She volunteered at the Board of Elections and was known for her time spent at the Fort Stephenson House Senior Center, recently located on West State St. Her commitment didn’t stop there, she also spent time working with her sister, Mae, traveling to different festivals and fairs in Ohio and Michigan, selling Mae’s famous ribs. She also worked with sister Bernice at Johnson Concession Stand. Billie was an advocate for helping the less fortunate and being a strong member of the community. She spent her time on White Avenue as a member of the neighborhood watch.

Billie was the co-founder of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, as well as the last living trustee of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. She was a devoted and faithful Christian and member of the church. In her role as the first lady of the church, she played the piano every Sunday and led the choir.

Billie’s hobbies were traveling, working on puzzle books, crocheting, sewing, playing the piano, playing (and winning) Pokeno, teaching her grandchildren how to play Uno, with her own special set of rules, and playing Bingo with her daughter Anita. Whenever she was asked “How are you doing?” she would always respond with “Just a F-I-N-E.” She always had a kind word for everyone and never failed to put a smile on your face.

Billie carried herself with class, grace and a little bit of sass. She instilled these values in her children and grandchildren, teaching them to be humble but strong. Billie was a devoted sister, mother and grandmother, and was always only a phone call away.

Billie is survived by her children, Larry (Alisha) Parks, Clarence Parks, Jr., Andrae (Heather) Parks, Anita (Elbert) Parks Turner, Reggie Parks and Michael Parks; loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, W.C., Frank, Joseph, Robert and Charles Bowie; sisters, Bernice Johnson, Mae McKinstry and twin sister, Dorothy Tankersley.

Visitation: Friday from 6 – 8 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.

The use of face masks is required while indoors at all services. Social distancing will be observed throughout all services with wait times taking place outdoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences at www.whhfh.com or call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book

Services: Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Noon, at the Church on 53, 1105 CR 41, Fremont, with visitation from 11:00 until Noon at the church prior to the service.

Memorials can be made to Eversight, 6700 Euclid Ave, Suite 101, Cleveland, OH 44103

View Billie’s Memorial Video

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