A a set of twins were born to the late John and Flossie [White] Threat on April 18, 1928 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. One of them was named Mary Lou.

She attended Jerusalem School and later, graduated from Historic Manual Training High School with the proud Class of 1947.

At an early age, she confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized by Rev. F. Roberts, becoming a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Mary Lou united in marriage to Robert Parks on July 29, 1947 and became a member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served the Lord in various capacities; the B.T.U., Sunday School, President of the Senior Mission and a member of the Mission Chorus.

In addition to her own children, she raised two sisters and a brother during her lifetime, a testament to her loving and guiding spirit.

Mrs. Parks worked for Muskogee Regional Medical Center as a cook in the dietary department for almost 17 years before retiring in 1988.

She closed her eyes on this side, but woke up in Glory on Monday evening, December 10, 2007 from Muskogee. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters, including her twin, two children

She leaves to cherish her loving memory; her husband, Robert Parks; four sons, Robert Jr. [Rita], Roger [Marilyn], Gilbert, Eric [Sonya]; three daughters, Flossie Chandler [Horace], Sharon Walker [Alex] and Marilyn Taylor[Jon]; a brother, Otis Threat, Bedford, Ohio; a sister, Ladon Smith, Bedford, Ohio; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; along with a caravan of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The farewell will be on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. in the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Vanzelen Brown, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery.

You may visit Mrs. Parks, as she slumbers at the funeral home on Sunday from 12 Noon to 3 PM.