TONI PARKS-PARSONS Obituary

PARKS-PARSONS--Toni,

died on August 24, 2015 in England. Parks was born on November 4, 1940 to photographer Gordon Parks and first wife, Sally Parks. A photographer, her 2011 exhibition "Bridging the Gap: Photography by Gordon Parks and Toni Parks" revealed her talent and love for her father. The Gordon Parks Foundation mourns her death and will preserve her work.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for TONI PARKS-PARSONS

13 Entries

Myrninerest

September 11, 2020

I met Toni in Torquay in the 1990s. She was exhibiting some of her photographs in an art show I was involved in. She was absolutely lovely.

Michele Howard

August 28, 2020

I will always hold dear the fascinating telephone calls we had over the last few years of her fabulous life...never one to mince her words that wonderful Toni.

Carola

August 20, 2020

Beautiful memories from Torque and London ❤

Julian Howard

August 20, 2020

Toni would be delighted to be watching the test cricket England v Pakistan this week as she lived her cricket

September 10, 2015

I met Toni , G_d Bless Her, after a lecture she did in the village during the early'90's and it was an immediate love on both sides. We both liked each other's images and every time Toni came state side she would call and we would break bread together and laugh over stories. We both believed in what my Father, G_d Bless Him, a General Practitioner said, Laughter is the best medicine. When we first met I had no idea who her Father was and was floored when she told me since I really admired his photographs, films, songs and writing. I told her I have a signed print of Gordon, G_d Bless Him, which was done and given to me by a photographer who I use to assist, Arnold Newman, G_d Bless Him. She told me that was one of her favorite images of her Dad. Just before Gordon passed I visited him in his apartment and shared some wine and stories and told him for the first time that he son Gordon Jr., G_d Bless Him, who was killed in a plane crash in Kenya with Peter Gilfillan, G_d Bless Him, a dear Kenyan photographer friend of mine. The day we went to her Father's grave site while visiting the Gordon Parks Center, in Fort Scott, KS with her brother David, Toni, Bobbi Baker Burrows and myself and ripped up a pack of Gordon's favorite cigarette over his grave and then poured his favorite wine on top of it. This was very special to Toni and she was so glad I was there to share this experience with her since she felt that in the 10 years that that we knew each; we really shared so many experiences. She, along with another dear photographer friend that I introduced her to Carolyn Schaefer, G_d Bless Her, who recently passed away from Ovarian Cancer that she contracted from shooting at Ground Zero. I never had time to let Toni know about Carolyn but I am sure they will meet in Heaven and will have many laughs together.

Peter B. Kaplan, Hockessin, DE

Donna Coatsworth

September 7, 2015

We met Toni and her brother David in recent years while attending the annual Gordon Parks Celebration in Fort Scott, KS, Gordon's hometown. Toni had her boundaries with unfamiliar people like us, but when she opened to us she was warm, brightly funny, and engaging. In Fort Scott, she was comrade to the legions of photographers and friends of Gordon who were showcased in the bright light of his achievements. Toni's Choice of Weapons was determination and artistry. Toni, in Fort Scott we will bring you flowers. We offer our sincere condolences to the Parks family, particularly Alain and David. From Dennis McPherson and Donna Coatsworth, Lee's Summit, MO

September 1, 2015

Toni was a wonderful and beautiful woman whom I am so glad me and my family had the opportunity to learn to know and love. Her spirit will always remain. My thoughts are with Toni's family. Love & codolences, Carola Lång-Howard.

julian howard

September 1, 2015

we all loved Toni, we visited her in Torquay, she stayed with us in London. Derek, her husband was my favourite uncle previously married to my aunt Ann , my mothers sister.
She loved to watch english test cricket, which is amazing in itself, as she was too...amazing.

Helen Townsend

August 30, 2015

I visited Toni this past December after I told her I was writing a book about her father's relationship with his hometown. She offered best wishes and agreed to meet with me to share stories. She was so gracious--even insisted I stay as her house guest. I left that visit thinking of her as a powerful woman! Rest in Peace Toni. I feel lucky to have met you.

Gilly Pitman

August 30, 2015

So sad to leave so young, a pleasure to have met you

August 30, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Toni.
With Love and Condolences,
Phoebe Beasley

Lillian Smith

August 27, 2015

Toni Parks Parson was a beautiful soul who has gone home. I pray for the family and send my condolences. Toni will physically be missed but her spirit lives on. Lillian Smith and family!

August 26, 2015

I am sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61: 1 ,2)

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