Helen Leona White-Parks

Helen was the last of seven children, born in Evansville, IN on January 16, 1924, to the late Henrietta Hunter- George and the only child of Herbert George. Following the passing of her father Herbert George, she was adopted at the age of 7 by Nestor & Emma White and baptized in the Catholic faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Evansville, IN. Even though adopted, Helen kept close contact with her biological mother and siblings. Helen attended elementary school and graduated in 1942 from Lincoln High School in Evansville, IN.

Helen was a nun at Sisters of St. Mary’s Convent in Evansville IN. for 2 ½ years where she received nurses training and attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. from where she graduated to become a Registered Nurse. She met the love of her life in Clarence Parks who was the driver for the convent. At the end of her schooling they married, and from this union produced two children Claiborne Parks and Anita Parks. Helen worked in nursing for the next 40 years, balancing her love of family and career.

Helen is preceded in death by her late husband Clarence and her son Claiborne (Crossing over on August 29, 2014) Her brothers Melvin, Charles (uncle Punch) Hunter and her “favorite” William E. Hunter McFarland. Sisters Maude McGhee, Florence Grooms & Rosie Hunter. She was also preceded in death by nephews Norman Douglass McFarland, James (Jimmy Jones, and Huston Lawrence McFarland (crossing over on March 5,2016)

Helen leaves this earthly world to mourn, her caregivers and loving daughter Anita (Gerard) McClure and granddaughter Zsi Zsi Parks (Courtland Crump), whom she helped to rear and was so devoted to, both from Florissant MO. Grandson Shawn Parks and two great granddaughters Zoe & Skylar Parks from St. Charles, MO. Her extended family, a Special sister Clarice McClure, a loving niece Patricia McFarland Wisdom of Evansville, IN. Nephews, Pastor Jasper “JD” David (Deborah) McFarland) of Phoenix, AZ and Timothy (Dounia) McGhee of Evansville, IN. Great nieces, Rukiya McFarland Durden of Evansville, IN; Starla Wisdom (Kenneth) Allen of Burlington, KY; Nikea, Jenea and Brittani McFarland of Phoenix , AZ. Great nephews, Amadi (Rhonda) McFarland of Evansville, IN. Three Great-Great nieces, Anija, Juliette and Noel, and Four Great -Great nephews Kaylyn, Gabriel, Kennede and Noah.