Theda M. Parks

Theda M. Parks ObituaryTHEDA M. PARKS, 82 of Port Deposit, MD, died peacefully with her loving family at her bedside. During these final days, her family members came to visit and cherish the last moments of her life. In the evening hours on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, her Lord and Savior called her to her Heavenly Home. Her husband of 44 years, Maiden Lester Parks, preceded her in death on November 13, 2009.
Born on August 7, 1942 in Greenbrier County, WV, she was one of five children born to the late James Franklin Lewis and Kansas Loretha (Workman) Lewis. Theda had worked for the former Bata Shoe Company, then as a nursing assistant at the Bel Air Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and completed her career at the Perry Point VA Hospital. Theda was known as a kind, caring lady, always there to comfort others and never known to judge anyone. She always found time to listen to her family members concerns and offer her wisdom.
Theda was a dedicated Christian woman and strived to live her life pleasing unto God. She enjoyed attending Bible study groups and cherished the moments she spent reading the scriptures and sharing thoughts with her daughter, Tammy. Her favorite chapter was Psalm 139 and she shared with many that her favorite scripture was Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Thoughtful and caring were words to describe Theda's concern for others, and she was faithful in sending greeting, birthday, anniversary, sympathy and get-well cards to everyone she knew. In each card, she would send her wishes and/or words of encouragement to the recipient. While active in church, she was a Sunday School teacher, organized church plays, led Bible Study events, was the Youth Group Director and would ride the church bus on Sundays to offer a ministry while traveling to bring friends to worship. She was an avid Bible reader, prayer warrior and was known to help with funeral luncheons.
Playing games with family, sightseeing, teaching her granddaughters the art of embroidery and ordering from QVC were some of her favorite things. She followed the Orioles and loved to watch figure skating, old westerns and especially the Hallmark Holiday Movies. Hosting the family holiday dinners and special celebrations brought much joy to her, and she cherished these times together.
While a resident at a long-term care facility, she shared God's love by leading Bible studies, helping with the in house worship services, organized talent shows and assisting the recreational team with event planning and hosting.
Most of all, Theda was all about family life. She was a beloved wife, cherished mother and held a special love in her heart for her three grandchildren. Her granddaughters were her pride and joy and she loved to take them on vacations and teach them about bird watching. In his short ten years of life, Theda was by her daughter's side to assist in caring for her grandson, Dorsey Himmel, Jr. He was her special little angel.
Loving the Lord with all of her heart, dedication to family, compassion for friends and offering her Christian love and support will be the qualities for which she will be remembered.
She is survived by:
Her only child, Tammy Himmel and her husband, Dorsey of Port Deposit, MD
Two granddaughters-
Sarah Planz and her husband, Charles of Port Deposit, MD
Keri Dunaway and her husband, Curtis of New Freedom, PA
Four great grandchildren-Liam, Arley and Benjamin Dunaway; Owen Planz
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Dorsey and her four siblings: Charles Lewis, Madelyne Testerman, Aline Dunford and William John Lewis.
Services will be held in Trinity Free Will Baptist Church 3414 Cedar Church Road, Darlington, MD with a viewing from 7 – 9 p.m. on Monday, October 28th. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with Pastor Mark Rudd and Pastor Chris Karschner. Interment will be in Dublin Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 1727 Poole Road, Darlington, MD. Following the burial, everyone is back to the church social hall for a luncheon. Those not going to the cemetery can wait in the social hall. Harkins Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements.
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THEDA M. PARKS, 82 of Port Deposit, MD, died peacefully with her loving family at her bedside. During these final days, her family members came to visit and cherish the last moments of her life. In the evening hours on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, her Lord and Savior called her to her Heavenly Home. Her husband of 44 years, Maiden Lester Parks,