Beverly McDernott Parks

Beverly McDermott Parks left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on November 23, 2011. She was born October 23, 1935, in North Little Rock to Miles and Louise Morgan McDermott. She was preceded in death by her parents, two uncles, and two aunts. She grew up in North Little Rock and lived in Houston, Texas, before moving to Morrilton in 1968. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University and earned graduate degrees from University of Central Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She worked at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton for over 30 years. She retired from UACCM as vice chancellor for academic services after having taught business classes for many years. She was an avid reader who loved golf, traveling, quilting, and playing bridge. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morrilton, where she served as Trustee, Elder, and Clerk of Session. She was a volunteer at Conway County Christian Clinic, a member of Conway County Community Foundation board, UACCM Foundation board, General William Lewis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Starbucks Book Club. She was a former member and chair of Conway County Library Board, a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and a former member and secretary of Morrilton Rotary Club. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow and was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 2003. She was a very caring person with many friends. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lindsey L. Parks, of Morrilton, two sons, Lindsey Alan Parks of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Brett T. Parks (Laura) of Brentwood, Tennessee, one daughter, Leslie Horton of Dallas, Texas, two granddaughters, Natalie Horton Kinnaird (Johnny) of Waco, Texas, and Aubrey Anne Parks of Fort Smith, and four grandsons, Will, Jack, Chip, and Riley Parks of Brentwood, Tennessee, who said they would especially miss their Nanny's peach ice cream, chocolate gravy, strawberry shortcake, and lasagna. Other survivors include two sisters-in-law, Janet Burks (Arvil) of Conway, Ann English (Pat) of Douglas, Arizona, one brother-in-law, Rudy Parks (Sue) of Marshall, and a host of extended family and friends. She will truly be missed in the lives of many. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 3, at Morrilton First Presbyterian Church. A private service for the family was held November 27. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Morrilton First Presbyterian Church or UACCM Foundation Beverly Parks Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons, Morrilton. Obituary/photo/Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.