Deacon Roscoe Parks

PARKS, Deacon Roscoe “Paw Paw” - Age 91, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at his residence. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1083 E. Stewart Ave., with Homegoing Celebration commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Lewis Randolph Host Pastor, Pastor Kenneth Boykins Eulogist, Rev. Kenneth Casey Presiding. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. Deacon Parks will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to receive friends. Deacon Roscoe Parks known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren was born November 17, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Joseph Parks and Sammie Lou Griffin. He was raised by his paternal grandparents, Pa Pa Joe and Anna Parks on a farm in Greenville, Georgia. He moved to Flint, Michigan at the age of 18 to live with his father and step-mother and to find employment. Not only did he find employment with General Motors, he also found the love of his life, his wife, the late Ernestine to whom he was married for 69 years. After he married Ernestine, their first home was located on Grant Street, right across the street from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (before the Buick Plant 5 was built). He joined Antioch in 1949 and he remained a faithful member. Roscoe became a Deacon under Reverend L. W. Pryor, he was one of the last Deacons ordained by Pastor Pryor. He continued to serve as a Deacon under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lewis Randolph, Pastor. Deacon Parks was the Secretary of the Deacons Sunday School Class and a member of the Great Lakes District Layman. He retired from Chevrolet Manufacturing, a division of General Motors in 1974 and was a member of UAW Local #659. Roscoe and his wife really enjoyed traveling and took annual trips to Georgia and Arkansas visiting their relatives. After retiring, Deacon Parks and his wife started bowling and both joined bowling leagues; where bowling took them on annual trips all over the United States. His last trip was a flight with his nephews, Darnell Cole and Raymond Neal to Tampa, FL. They picked up his brother-in-law, William Benton and drove to Enterprise, AL to visit his nephew Don Holland, for a male retreat of fishing and fun. Deacon Parks read his Bible daily. He also enjoyed gardening, baking and made excellent German Chocolate Cakes, Sweet Potato, and Squash pies. An avid Tigers fan, he enjoyed watching them on TV or attending games in person. Deacon Roscoe Parks leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters, Joyce Parks of Macomb, MI, Jacqueline Parks of Flint and Mary Parks “Pat” (John) Deason of Flushing, MI; three grandchildren, Dr. Nikkia (William III) Washington of Kentwood, MI, Aisha (Quinton) Stringer of Gainesville, GA and Evan Parks of Auburn Hills, MI; three great-granddaughters, Aaliyah and Alivya Stringer, and Cameron Washington; great-grandson, William Washington IV; sister-in-law, Mrs. Annie Mae Holland; brothers-in-law, Albert Creel and Clarence Allen, all of Flint; cousin, Celeste Clements of Detroit, MI; special friends, Mr. & Mrs. James and Gayle Ragston, Bro. Andrew Oillings, Bro. Leo Cardwell, and Pastor and Mrs. Kenneth Boykins; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Lisa Lindsay, Absolute Health Team, Rev. Dr. Lewis Randolph and the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church family, the Deacons that visited and administered the Holy Communion, Bro. Herman Miller and the District Laymen. Thanks also to his caregiver, Russell Franklin and extra-special caregiver, Beverly Powell.

Deacon Roscoe Parks

November 17, 1924 - May 10, 2016