Sandra B. Parks

Sandra Antoinette Brocato Parks peacefully passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Brookdale in Clinton, MS. Sandra Parks was born on November 20, 1943, in Pasadena, Texas to Van Antone and Evelyn Hess Brocato, who preceded her in death. Her family moved to Jackson, MS where she attended elementary school and high school. Sandra graduated from Saint Joseph Catholic High School in 1961, and continued her education at the University of Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. While at Ole Miss, she met her life-long love, Bob K. Parks. The two married on October 19, 1963. Bob and Sandra were married for more than 47 years at the time of his death.

Following her graduation from Ole Miss, Sandra became one of the first female CPAs in the state and one of the few women to work for two of the Big 8 accounting firms, Peat Marwick Mitchell and Ernst & Ernst. After working in public accounting for a decade, she earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College and began her career as a professor. She, along with her young family, moved to Clinton, MS in 1975 where she and her husband opened Mississippi Discount Drugs.

Sandra taught in the School of Business at Mississippi College for over forty years. At MC, she was actively involved in sponsoring student organizations, such as Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, the Accounting Society, and Mortar Board Cap and Gown Chapter. She also served as president of the Mississippi Institute of Management Accountants. Sandra was widely beloved by her students, as she enjoyed being part of her students’ lives inside and outside the classroom. Many former students regard her as their favorite professor.

After retiring, Sandra enjoyed visiting with friends and family and remained involved at MC. She could often be seen driving around town in her black Cadillac.

Sandra was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Jackson and often enjoyed visiting First Baptist Church Clinton with her family. Her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was of utmost importance to her. So many times she could be heard saying, “Look at everything God has done. You tell me something He can’t do!”

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Bob King Parks, and her sister Marcia Brocato Maynard.

Sandra is survived by her sons Cary Lee Parks (Tina), David King Parks (Kacy), Bradley Brocato Parks (Molly); grandchildren Taylor Parks (Annie), Peyton Parks (Sara), Timothy Knight, Nikolas Parks (Taylor), Kaylee Parks (fiancé Nathan Mason), Christian Parks, Manning Parks, and Megan Parks; great grandchildren Liam Knight, Elliette Parks, Engram Parks, and Wilson Parks; brother Raymond Hess Brocato (Cecile) and half-sister, Lisa Brocato McTaggart; Sister-in-law Elizabeth Parks Pigott (Ed) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home from 5-7pm Monday, June 5, 2023, and again Tuesday, June 6 at First Baptist Church Clinton Chapel beginning at 2pm with services to follow at 3pm. Memorial gifts may be given to the School of Business at Mississippi College.