June Rosetta Parks

December 25, 1935 – August 25, 2026,

It is with heavy hearts and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our beloved June Rosetta Dameron Parks, who departed this life on August 25, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by the love of family and friends at Escondido Acute Care.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1935, in Triplett, Missouri, June was the cherished daughter of the late George T. Dameron and Frances Louise. From an early age, she was grounded in the values that would define her life: faith, family, hard work, leadership, and service to others.

June graduated from Dalton High School in Dalton, Missouri, and later earned a Secretarial Business Training Certificate. Her professional life reflected her many talents. She worked as a Ward Clerk at the University of Missouri in Columbia, later owned and operated a soul food restaurant in downtown Oceanside, served as a teacher's aide at Oceanside High School, and managed an After School Program for latchkey children for the City of Oceanside. Through academics, arts and crafts, mentoring, and encouragement, June helped young people recognize their potential and became a mother figure to many.

At the foundation of June's life was her faith. She was a lifelong member of Friendly Church of God in Christ in Oceanside, California, where her faith was expressed not only through worship, but through service. She loved her church and church family and initiated Black History Month celebrations at Friendly Church of God in Christ, bringing together faith, history, culture, and community.

June was also a dedicated community leader whose influence reached throughout Oceanside. An active member of the NAACP, she received a Special Recognition Certificate for her contributions and was also involved with the Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership went far beyond membership in organizations—June believed in taking action.

She founded the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast, started the Women's Chapter of the NAACP, and played a founding role in the Juneteenth celebration in Oceanside. When confronted with hatred and injustice, she was willing to stand up for what she believed was right, including organizing efforts opposing a planned KKK march in Oceanside. The mayor of the city of Oceanside proclaimed January 21st as June Parks Day.

June's leadership was never simply about titles or recognition. She led through action and by example. Whether mentoring a young person, supporting her church, advocating for equality, encouraging someone through a difficult time, or bringing people together, June devoted much of her life to lifting others and strengthening her community.

For all she accomplished, family remained at the center of June's heart. She was a devoted and enthusiastic sports mom to her three sons, always proud and supportive. She loved traveling, laughing, spending time with family and friends, and especially her memorable getaways and cruises with her beloved "Golden Girls." June had a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and her nurturing spirit, wisdom, encouragement, and willingness to help made her a mother figure and trusted friend to many.

June was preceded in death by her former husband, Willie Lee Parks, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage, and their beloved son, Warlon Lamont Parks.

Her legacy lives on through her brother, James Benson (Patricia); stepchildren, Cynthia Brown (Ray), Bernadette Parks, and Stephen Parks; daughter, Sheila Clemons (Hayes Robert); sons, Wesley Ladonahue Parks (Laurie) and William Lamar Parks; step-grandson, Emil Moore (Leslie); granddaughter, Juliette Clemons; grandson, Warren Parks; and a host of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her niece, Taffye Benson-Clayton (Reuben); nephew, Bernard Benson (Stephanie); two great-nieces Lauren and Haley; two great-nephews Monroe and Christian; her special sister-cousins, Delores Bradford, Doris Richardson, and Mary Banton; her brother-cousin, Kenny Agee; and a loving extended family of cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

The Parks Family extends heartfelt appreciation to those we affectionately call "June's Angels on Earth"—Dorothy Harris, Althea Green, Christina Colon, the Moore Family, and the Greer Family—for the love, care, friendship, and support they gave June. The family also extends its sincere appreciation to Amy Parks and her family for lovingly taking care of the floral arrangements for June's Celebration of Life Service.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Friendly Church of God in Christ, 1836 Dixie St, Oceanside, CA 92054, November 14th at 11am.

June Rosetta Dameron Parks lived a life that mattered. She was a devoted mother, woman of faith, entrepreneur, mentor, community advocate, friend, and leader. Her legacy lives not only in what she accomplished, but in the people she encouraged, the children she mentored, the church she loved, the traditions she helped establish, the causes she stood for, and the family she cherished.

Those who loved June will miss her strength, laughter, wisdom, encouragement, and presence, but the faith she demonstrated, the love she gave, and the lives she touched remain.

Her work is complete, but her influence is not. Rest well June, your light will continue to shine through your family, your church, your friends, and the Oceanside community she faithfully served.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor June's memory the June Rosetta Dameron Fund has been established through Go Fund Me.

This fund is established for support of a community project in her memory. Please use the link below to donate:

Fundraiser by Sheila Clemons : Support June's Memorial and Community Project