Joanne Parks Obituary

OBITUARY

To know Joanne Sylvia Parks was to witness a life lived with purpose, unwavering faith, joy, and boundless love. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and loyal friend, Joanne departed this world peacefully on March 18, 2025, at her home in Mansfield, Ohio, just two weeks after celebrating her 76th birthday. Born on March 2, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, Joanne's journey was marked by steadfast values and a profound commitment to serving others.

FAMILY AND LEGACY

At the heart of Joanne's life was her family, her greatest source of joy and pride. As a divorced single mother for most of her life, Joanne built a legacy rooted in faith, love, and resilience. Joanne was a proud devoted mother to Antoine Meeks, Adrian Meeks, and Carlos Hill; mother-in-law to Charmada Meeks, Tiffany Meeks, LaSonya Foster Hill and Sonya Meeks. Grandmother of Dezarae Russell, Raquele Meeks, Chardonae Meeks, Christian DeBose, Tiffany Meeks, Taqora Meeks, Amoni Meeks, Adriane Meeks, Jeremiah Meeks, Judah Meeks; Davina Nicole Campbell, Jermaine Lloyd, Carlos Meeks, Jr., Jasmine Meeks, Karonda Foster-Mitchell, Kailah Smith; and great-grandmother of several beautiful children whom she cherished. Known for her wisdom, strength, and generosity, Joanne was more than the head of her family, she was a guiding light. She instilled in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and godchildren the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance. Her influence extended far beyond her family, touching the lives of all who were fortunate enough to call her a mentor, colleague or friend.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Born the third oldest daughter in a family of eleven, Joanne grew up in Buffalo, New York, surrounded by the love and encouragement of her parents, Joseph Parks, Sr. and Mary Boulware Parks, and the support of her siblings.

From an early age, she exhibited a natural talent, interest and passion for reading, travel, dance, music, and serving GOD and her community. She enjoyed a successful career with General Motors Chevrolet Plant resulting in an offer and acceptance of a transfer to Mansfield, Ohio.

After retiring, Joanne continued her passion for nursing by accepting private duty cases, allowing her to provide care, compassion and service to her patients. Joanne attended Lafayette High School in Buffalo, New York, where she was one of the creators of the first Drill Team. Most recently, Joanne was an active Nursing student at Marion Technical College in Mansfield, Ohio.

SURVIVED BY

Joanne is survived by her sons Antoine (Charmada) Meeks, Adrian (Tiffany) Meeks, and Carlos (LaSonya) Hill; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings, Marie (Arthur) Hammonds, Joseph (Sandra) Parks, Marlene (Melvin) Butler, Randy Parks, Danny Parks, Mary Parks, Bernadine Parks and Anthony Parks; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Annie Mae Hemphill and Betty Jean Brown; her nieces, Jacqueline Parks, Marilyn Hemphill and Faye Hemphill; and her parents, Joseph Parks, Sr. and Mary Boulware Parks.

REMEMBERING JOANNE

Joanne Sylvia Parks leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and leadership. Her life was a testament to the power of integrity, service, and unwavering devotion to those she cared for. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory and influence will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.