Ola Fisher Parks, 96, passed away peacefully at home with her family on July 1, 2020. Born on July 22, 1923, she was the daughter of the late B.J. and Alice Petree Fisher. Ola was the youngest of their 15 children.
Ola was raised on a small farm in Davis, Oklahoma. She graduated from Sulphur High School where she was a member of the Honor Society and Debate Team. She went on to attend Central State Teacher’s College. At the beginning of World War II, she was recruited for a job with the FBI in Washington DC. She worked as a switchboard operator and in the offices of J. Edgar Hoover. She later transferred to Portland Oregon, where she met her husband, John Nolan Parks, while he was in the Navy.
Ola spent her work career in administrative positions with Sears in Greensboro, NC and Rock Hill, SC. She also worked as secretary for the Principal of Winthrop Training School in Rock Hill.
In 1984, she moved to Chapin, SC to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Ed and Gail Horton and later moved with them to North Myrtle Beach, SC. They provided a warm and loving home for 34 years.
Ola had many talents and interests. She was a member and past president of several garden clubs. So many people enjoyed her southern cooking over the years followed by a creative story or two. She enjoyed traveling with her family and so many of her treasured friends. She loved card games, Rummikub and working puzzles. She enjoyed listening to all types of music, especially hymns and Andrea Bocelli. Her dog, Christy, was a faithful soul and was very dedicated to Ola. They made quite a cute pair when wearing their pearls together.
Ola cherished and loved her children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was a true blessing and a loving gift that they will all hold close in their hearts forever.
Ola’s family will always remember her strong faith in Christ. Over the years, she participated in various congregations in the communities where she resided. She loved reading her Bible and sharing her faith. On her last day with us on this Earth, she peacefully tip-toed into Heaven, where she will dwell in the House of the Lord.
Ola was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, John Noland Parks. She is survived by her son, John “Ken” Parks (Vicki); daughters Gail Parks Horton (Ed); and Karen Parks Hager (Tom); grandchildren John Horton (Emily); Kara Hager Dunstan (Scott); Tyler Hager (Mary Vincent); Laura Parks Friday (Matthew); and Lanie Parks; and great-grandchildren Parker Horton, Maggie Horton, Reese Hager, Goldie Hager and Emmaline Friday.
Ola’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her wonderful caregivers over the years. Especially to her loving, long-term caregiver, Lisa Saunders. They all provided her with much compassionate and heartfelt care.
A private family burial service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery in Rock Hill, SC, next to her husband. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving and Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund of Myrtle Beach, 2411 North Oak Street, Suite 108, Myrtle Beach, 29577, or on line at www.heartlandhospicefund.org.
A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
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