Wilberta Jean Parkes

She was born to the late Wilbert and Burnadean Riggs, in Greentown, IN. Jean graduated from Indiana University in 1953. She married the late Thomas C. Parkes in 1957, and they lived together in Mt. Airy, North Carolina before relocating to Hialeah, FL in 1961. Jean raised her family in Hialeah for 31 years before moving to Davie, FL in 1992 and later to Palm Beach Gardens in 1999.

Jean was chief dietician and food service director at Palm Springs General Hospital and dietician at Fair Havens Center until she retired in 1992. She was an avid chef and traveler and enjoyed spending time with extended family and friends globally.

Jean is predeceased by her son Brian and her brother Ronald Riggs.

Jean is survived by five of her of her children: Kevin Parkes of Palm Beach Gardens; Kathryn Parkes Cavari of Fredrick, MD; Shawn Parkes of Chicago, IL; Heather Parkes Rocha (Charles) of Chicago, IL; and Jennifer Parkes Rothstein (Andrew) of Park Ridge, IL.

She also is survived by fourteen grandchildren: Melissa, Rebecca and Curtis Parkes of Palm Beach Gardens; Jacqueline Cavari of Thurmont, MD; Zachary and Harrison Parkes of Chicago, IL; Summer, Gabby, Finley and Charles Rocha of Chicago, IL; and Emily, Ethan and Elyse of Park Ridge, IL along with a new grandchild expected in April.

Jean is also survived by one great-grandchild: Chloe Gaver of Thurmont, MD.

Memorial Donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Hospice of Palm Beach County would be appreciated.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday February 15th at Howard Price Funeral Home, 754 U.S. Highway One in North Palm Beach.