Barbara Chrismon Parks

Barbara Dean Chrismon Parks, affectionately known to many as Bobbie, peacefully departed this life in Clinton, TN at the age of 89. On July 1st, after a lengthy illness, she ascended to heaven. A steadfast believer in her personal savior, Jesus Christ, Bobbie was a longtime member of Clinch River Baptist Church in Medford, having previously worshipped at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Dutch Valley. Her faith was unwavering; she believed profoundly that Jesus loved all mankind and came to earth to save the world. She was ready to join her precious family in her heavenly home, forever in the divine presence of God and His son, Jesus.

Bobbie was born on January 12, 1936, in Bath Township, Beaufort County, North Carolina. She spent her formative years alongside eight brothers and sisters in her cherished hometown of Bath, nestled on the Pamlico Sound, where her father earned his living as a fisherman. Tragically, both of her parents passed away when she was young. It was while Carter Parks was serving at Camp Lejeune that he met Bobbie. Their love story blossomed as they played on the beach, and he would forever consider her the most beautiful woman in the world. They married when she was 18, welcoming their first child during his Marine Corps service. Upon his discharge, Carter brought his new bride and son to his beloved Laurel Grove, Tennessee. Steadily, their family grew with the addition of four daughters, all born in Tennessee.

Carter and Bobbie's unwavering devotion to family was paramount and their commitment to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them. They shared 50 years of marriage until his untimely death, which occurred just after their golden anniversary celebration, an event attended by countless family members and friends.

Barbara Parks embodied a life of deep Christian faith. Despite her petite stature, only five feet tall and 100 pounds—she managed to shepherd five children to church twice every Sunday and again on Wednesday evenings. She flourished in Tennessee for 70 years, embracing her husband's family as her own, yet always holding dear her North Carolina roots and coastal family.

Bobbie was preceded in death by beloved husband, Carter O. Parks; parents, All Chrismon and Clorene Isley Chrismon; son, Danny Cecil Parks; and son-in-law, Michael Ray Bunch. She was also preceded by brothers, Wade Chrismon and Arnold Chrismon, and sisters, Virginia Christy, Gladys Bland, Lucille Rice, and Luvina White. Also gone before her were her husband's parents, Cecil C. Parks and Arpie Sisson Parks of Laurel Grove, along with Carter's brothers and sisters and their spouses.

She leaves behind to grieve daughters: Seaira Parks Stephenson (Brad), Angie Parks Bunch, Regina Parks McCallister (Dennis), and LaVerne Parks. She is also survived by brother, Herbert Chrismon, and sister, Lutitia Hill, both residing in North Carolina. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren: Preston Parks (Klyo), Barbara Ellen Parks, Derek Lovely (Rebecca), DeAnna Bunch (Josh), Dustin Bunch (Bailey), Jesse McCallister (Beth), Landon McCallister (Katie), Henry Fontenot, Carter Fontenot (Kylie), and Bobby Fontenot (Rachel). Additionally, she is survived by 22 great-grandchildren, and a vast network of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews spanning Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, and beyond.

Barbara retired from the State of Tennessee, where she dedicated over 30 years to the Clinch-Powell Regional Library. Among her many important duties, she skillfully navigated the Bookmobile along narrow backcountry and mountainous roads. She took immense joy in bringing the gift of books to countless rural communities throughout East Tennessee, with stops like Helenwood in Scott County, New River in Anderson County, and Pioneer in Campbell County being just a few on her route. She also extended her reach by delivering books to the library at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary and fulfilling Books-By-Mail orders for even the most remote locations.

Jones Mortuary (Clinton) is overseeing the arrangements. Friends are invited to a receiving of friends on Saturday, July 5th, at the Jones Chapel from 5 to 7 PM, with a service to follow immediately at 7 PM. Pastor Moe Crabtree will officiate. Interment is scheduled for Sunday, July 6th, at 9 AM at Clinch River Baptist Church in Medford.

Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Barbara Parks.