Marilyn Suzanne Pitts Parks, age 91 of Fayetteville, TN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. She was residing at the NHC Healthcare Center in Tullahoma, TN.
Marilyn was born to Mary Sue Pitts and John Lloyd Pitts on May 16, 1928. She grew up in Lincoln County, TN (“out in the country” as she called it), and her favorite playmate was her first cousin Joan Dryden.
After moving into Fayetteville, TN, Marilyn married the love of her life, James G. Parks, in 1946. They had two daughters and her passion and focus was her family. She was an energetic parent at their schools, in the PTA, and as a “homeroom mother.” She also led the Girl Scouts, and was active at her home church, Fayetteville First Baptist.
Marilyn loved to entertain family and friends, regularly hosting suppers and cookouts. Her home was where everyone gathered for big holiday meals and she continued this well into her seventies. James and Marilyn’s Christmas Eve Open Houses were popular and festive, attracting multiple generations of friends and family.
Not only was she a loving mother and homemaker, she assisted her husband in running their business, Parks Log Company, where the employees fondly called her “Ms. Anne,” shortening her middle name.
When James passed away in 1997, they had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just months before. She kept busy continuing her church activities, hosting holiday meals, seeing her friends, and gardening. Most of all, she doted on her two grandchildren, Will and Katherine, attending their soccer games, basketball games, dance recitals, and school plays. They loved to be at “Grandmama’s” house, where there would always be a freezer full of popsicles just for them.
Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Jamie Parks Benson and Ed Benson of Nashville, TN, and Debbie Parks McAlister and Edwin McAlister of Fayetteville, TN and her two grandchildren, Katherine Paige Calvin of Atlanta, GA and William James Calvin of Chattanooga, TN. She also is survived by nephews, many cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.
The family wishes to send its warmest gratitude to all of Marilyn’s caregivers over the last few years as she battled the cruel disease of dementia.
There will be visitation with the family at Higgins Funeral Home from noon until 2 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2019, with the funeral service immediately following with Dr. Jon Hathcock officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Junior’s House Child Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1062, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Fayetteville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 623, Fayetteville 37334.
Jamie and Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear about Ms Anne. Daddy (Billy Spray) used to drive for Mr James and my sister Debbie and I would love to come over with daddy and mother and visit . Your parents were such special people. Mother and daddy send their condolences also and can’t come to service due to mother breaking her hip. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love from the Spray family. ?. Diane
Debbie, Jamie, Your Mom was the sweetest lady. I always loved going to her yard sales and talking with her. Prayers of comfort and peace are with you.
Thinking of your family at this time. She was a great lady.
Jamie and Debbie,
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Marilyn. She was always so sweet and kind to everyone that knew her. She was always so kind to all the neighborhood kids and Mr. James was also a great man. I know you will miss her dearly but remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.
You have our most heartfelt sympathy. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Debbie, so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Dear Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your lovely and cherished mother. May God ease your heavy hearts and lift your spirits as you prepare to celebrate the wonderful life of your mom.
Debbie, so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Dementia is such a cruel disease. My father had it, too. You and your family are in my prayers.
I always remember our mom (Joan Dryden McDonald) and grandmom (Addie Lee Pitts Dryden) talking about Marilyn. They often told me I looked like her. We enjoyed visiting her when we could. She is now Home with her Savior and all those relatives… and her favorite childhood playmate… my mom! ❤️
Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. I always had the utmost respect for her. I hope she is in a better place.
Debbie, so sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you.
Eulus and Bettye Quck
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Marilyn. We lived neighbors to the Pitts family on Sunset Drive when I was growing up, and she was always so nice. Her mom and dad also lived in our neighborhood. Condolences to the family.
Mrs. Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was always a very gracious and sweet lady when we would pass. I know she will be missed by all who knew her and especially her family who loved and cared for her.
Our prayers are with you at this time.
Love to you always,
Lenace