Bernadette Parks-Ricks

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Bernadette Parks-Ricks was born to Loyal Floyd Parks and Gladys B. Lucas on May 21, 1944. From the start, her focus, curiosity, and love for the arts shone brightly.
At just three and a half, Bernadette discovered her passion for Toe-Tap Ballet and Jazz at the Bernice Johnson School of Dancing in Jamaica, New York. Her talent was undeniable-she was even featured on the front page of the Registry Boucher. Those early years revealed a creative spirit destined to inspire.
Bernadette's artistic journey continued at the High School of Fashion Industries, where she graduated in 1962. That same year, on April 28, she married her childhood sweetheart, William Edward Ricks Jr. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and love, nurturing a family that would carry their legacy forward. They were blessed with ten wonderful children.
After William's passing in 1987, Bernadette drew strength from her faith and her family. She pursued higher education at Cedar Crest College, studying Human Resource Management, and later became a Chaplain at St. Luke's Bethlehem Campus in Bethlehem, PA in 2003. Never one to stop learning, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University in 2005.
Bernadette's walk with Christ defined her life. She was ordained as a Deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church on October 10, 2010, and was also a devoted member of The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, serving faithfully as a disciple.
Her joy came from her faith, her creativity, and her family. She loved coloring her Bible, studying scripture, and sharing moments of reflection with her children and grandchildren. Those times-filled with love, laughter, and prayer-became her ministry.
Bernadette truly embodied Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Her life was a testament to perseverance, grace, and unconditional love. She faced challenges with courage, uplifted others with kindness, and inspired everyone she met through her unwavering faith.
On November 7, 2025, Bernadette Parks-Ricks was called home to be with the Lord.
She is survived by her beloved children Gavin, Kevin, Yvette, Trinette, Loyal, Christopher, Michael, Marc, Krisette, and Matthew her siblings Claudette, Cathy and Cindy, and a loving host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her legacy forward with pride and love.
Our matriarch will be remembered for her gentle strength, creative soul, and steadfast faith. Though her earthly journey has ended, her light continues to shine in every heart she touched through Love + Prayers.