Sally Ann Parks, of Allen, Texas, passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on December 27, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Henry Harter and Aline Jacket (Wilmoth) Swigert.
Sally spent her early years in Oklahoma City, where she was surrounded by the love of family and friends who remained an integral part of her life. She graduated from Northwest Classen High School, leaving a lasting impression with her kindness and vibrant spirit.
She continued her education at Oklahoma State University, where she became a beloved member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished. Sally’s dedication to learning, and to pursuing a career in education, led her to earn a master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida. Passionate about teaching, she impacted the lives of countless students and families through her unwavering dedication and compassion.
On September 12, 1992, Sally married the love of her life, Ronald Dale Parks, in Richardson, Texas. Together, they built a life full of love, joy, and cherished memories.
A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Sally was actively involved in her faith community. She found great joy in service and fellowship, embodying the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
As a mother, Sally's love for her sons was unmatched. She dedicated herself fully to their lives, always offering unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. Sally’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family; she was a caring teacher for countless elementary students, she was a foster mother for many years for newborns awaiting adoption by a new loving family, and she embraced her children's friends by taking a genuine interest in their stories, dreams, and challenges, and she loved all of them as though they were own children, becoming a second mother to many. Her love for children knew no bounds.
Sally’s positivity, curiosity, and generosity touched everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting legacy of love and connection. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, and her impact will be forever cherished by all who knew her.
Sally is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ron Parks of Allen, Texas; sons, Brett Atkins and wife, Kristin of the San Francisco Bay area; Scott Atkins and wife, Andrea of Van Alstyne, Texas; Mark Atkins of San Diego, California; grandchildren, Peyton, Piper, Penelope, Sebastian, Paloma, Emily, and Mia Atkins; brother, Larry Swigert of Dallas, Texas; and numerous extended family members, students, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Sally’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/sally-ann-parks. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, the family will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.