Ann Adams Parks

Ann Adams Parks peacefully passed away on October 8, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida, at the age of 94. Ann brightened the world for everyone around her with a gentle, caring manner and sharp Southern wit, and was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Ann was born July 19, 1929 in Bonnie Blue, Virginia, and attended Highland Springs High School in Richmond, Virginia and Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She married her late husband Bill four months after meeting him on a blind date in 1952, and she'd be quick to tell you it was the best decision she ever made.

As the wife of a Naval officer, Ann managed a household with three rambunctious kids and handled complicated moves to different cities every two years or so. After the kids went off to college, Ann worked as a Church Secretary, contributing to the success of Timberlake Christian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

After she and Bill retired to Crystal River, Florida, she was involved with the Crystal River Woman's Club, and was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She worshiped at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Crystal River, and in recent years, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Tallahassee.

Ann had all sorts of skills. She knitted beautiful sweaters and made memorable quilts, using unique materials like sections of Bill's fishing shirts. Ann was a whip-smart, intellectually curious woman who knew quite a bit about a ton of topics - she joked that her brain was "filled with useless information." (This made her quite the star at Westminster Oaks trivia contests.)

And she seemed to have an idea to suggest that could help with almost any part of life, whether it was putting Cheerios in your child's crib to buy yourself some time to do other things, or using mayonnaise to remove a ring stain on a table.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Dr. Ceil Parks Bare; her sons, Kyle Jennings Parks and Scott Warren Parks (Lynne); and her cherished grandchildren, Tyler (Rachel), Kyle, Blair (Tony), Miles (Maggie) and Albert Parks; and great-grandchildren, Henry and Hannah.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Cdr. William Warren Parks, USN, Ret.; her son-in-law, Thomas Franklin Bare; and her parents, Clyde Jennings Adams and Lucille Hill Adams.

A memorial service for Ann and her late husband Bill will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest of the Big Bend in Tallahassee, Florida.

Ann will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kindness, warmth, and love will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May she rest in peace.