Marilyn Suzanne Pitts Parks, age 91 of Fayetteville, TN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. She was residing at the NHC Healthcare Center in Tullahoma, TN.
Marilyn was born to Mary Sue Pitts and John Lloyd Pitts on May 16, 1928. She grew up in Lincoln County, TN (“out in the country” as she called it), and her favorite playmate was her first cousin Joan Dryden.
After moving into Fayetteville, TN, Marilyn married the love of her life, James G. Parks, in 1946. They had two daughters and her passion and focus was her family. She was an energetic parent at their schools, in the PTA, and as a “homeroom mother.” She also led the Girl Scouts, and was active at her home church, Fayetteville First Baptist.
Marilyn loved to entertain family and friends, regularly hosting suppers and cookouts. Her home was where everyone gathered for big holiday meals and she continued this well into her seventies. James and Marilyn’s Christmas Eve Open Houses were popular and festive, attracting multiple generations of friends and family.
Not only was she a loving mother and homemaker, she assisted her husband in running their business, Parks Log Company, where the employees fondly called her “Ms. Anne,” shortening her middle name.
When James passed away in 1997, they had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just months before. She kept busy continuing her church activities, hosting holiday meals, seeing her friends, and gardening. Most of all, she doted on her two grandchildren, Will and Katherine, attending their soccer games, basketball games, dance recitals, and school plays. They loved to be at “Grandmama’s” house, where there would always be a freezer full of popsicles just for them.
Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Jamie Parks Benson and Ed Benson of Nashville, TN, and Debbie Parks McAlister and Edwin McAlister of Fayetteville, TN and her two grandchildren, Katherine Paige Calvin of Atlanta, GA and William James Calvin of Chattanooga, TN. She also is survived by nephews, many cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.
The family wishes to send its warmest gratitude to all of Marilyn’s caregivers over the last few years as she battled the cruel disease of dementia.
There will be visitation with the family at Higgins Funeral Home from noon until 2 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2019, with the funeral service immediately following with Dr. Jon Hathcock officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Junior’s House Child Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1062, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Fayetteville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 623, Fayetteville 37334.
