Viva Jean Parks 1928-2011
Dec 16, 2011 | Obituaries |
Viva Jean Parks, 83, of Gallatin, passed away Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at Quail Run Health Care Center in Cameron. Services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the First Baptist Church in Gallatin. Family visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery near Gallatin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallatin First Baptist Church, or Hospice Advantage in Gallatin, in care of McWilliams Funeral Home.
Viva Jean was born April 1, 1928, to Roy and Elsie (Timmons) Landes in Coffey, Mo., where she graduated valedictorian of her class in 1945. After graduation she began working at the Republican Times newspaper in Bethany, where she sold advertising as well as proofing for each edition. It was there she met the love of her life, Carroll Parks. The couple was married Sept. 10, 1950 in Bethany. Viva Jean worked for a professor at the Agriculture Chemistry Lab in Columbia while Carroll finished his last two years of college. The couple moved to Milan, Mo., and started their family. Viva Jean was a stay at home mother who delighted in taking care of her children’s every need. In 1956, the Parks family moved to Gallatin and became part of the community. Viva Jean was a wonderful cook with homemade cinnamon rolls being a family favorite. She looked forward to family gatherings and took great pride in preparing that special meal. She was an avid gardener and spent many hours canning the fruits and vegetables she had raised. In her spare time, Viva Jean liked to crochet and enjoyed making afghans for all of her family, she was also a lovely seamstress. She took great pride in caring for her family.
Viva Jean was a member of the Coffey Baptist Church and transferred her membership to the First Baptist Church in Gallatin in 1956. Her strong faith was evident; she devoted her time and talents by serving as a G.A. leader for several years. She participated in Women’s Missions and was active in the prayer chain until her death. In the early years, Viva Jean played the piano for Sunday services; she was dedicated to serving others. She greatly enjoyed the fellowship she shared with her church family. Viva Jean was committed to her family and liked nothing better than spending time with them. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who’s kind and gentle nature will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Viva Jean was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her devoted husband of 61 years Carroll of the home, children: Kathryn Anderson and husband Lee of Bristol, Conn., Randall Parks and wife Carol of Independence, Mo., Linda Parks of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Lori Critten and husband Robert of Everton, Mo. Viva Jean had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com
