Alma Elizabeth Collier Parks, of Madison, MS, passed away Friday, March 9. She was born November 19, 1927 in Slaton, TX, to R. W. Collier, Sr. and Katie Abington Collier, owners and publishers of the Oakdale Journal in Oakdale, LA. Alma grew up with siblings Robert William Collier, Jr., MD, Alice Collier Burgess, and Julia Collier Gates.
Mrs. Parks was a graduate of Oakdale High School and Northwestern State University (LA) where she met her husband, William Robert "Bill" Parks.
Mrs. Parks was a loving and compassionate woman of God. She lived a lifestyle of loving and serving others. She taught choral music in Louisiana schools. Later, she taught fifth grade at Adams County Christian School in Natchez, MS, and piano lessons in her home. She was also a reading tutor for dyslexic students. She was known for her loving heart, compassion toward the hurting, and willingness to help people at a minute’s notice. She possessed a sharp mind and quick wit.
Mrs. Parks is survived by three daughters Susan Elizabeth Davis, MD (Terry) of Canton, MS, Martha “Marty” Kay Frey (Johan) and Lisa Anne Parks both of Madison, MS; sister Julia Gates (Howard Sr.) of Alexandria, LA; grandchildren Guinn Terry "Skip" Davis (Christine) of Los Angeles, CA, William Parks Davis (Amanda) of Tupelo, MS, Sarah Katherine "Katie" Davis of Canton, MS, Marissa Elizabeth Parks and Amelia Anne Parks both of Madison, MS; and one great grandchild, Julia Davis of Tupelo, MS, and numerous other family and friends. She also left her dog Katie, her constant companion. She was greatly loved by her family and returned their love wholeheartedly in word and deed.
Mrs. Parks treasured her many friends, and her two best friends: childhood friend Gene Dixon of Oakdale, and Judy Brewer of Natchez, who helped her endure the loss of her husband Bill in 1991.
Alma's passing left a void in her family no one can fill, but they rejoice knowing she is in the Presence of Jesus whom she loved and served faithfully with her final breath.
Funeral services are Thursday, March 15 at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson, MS. Visitation from 12 - 2 p.m., Funeral service at 2 p.m., with graveside service following at Lakewood Memorial Park.
