My ‘superhero’, Mrs. Thelma Parks, passed away yesterday at the age of 96. This incredible teacher changed my life and the lives of thousands of other students.
As an Educator, she sacrificed her life for her students. E.g. At grade school, she took my two best friends and me to her house for lunch. She let me wear her mink stole as a ‘Miss Homecoming’ attendant at our high school parade. She paid the cost for me to become a debutante and let me wear her long white gown and string of pearls.
Tears fill my eyes as I think of all the love and compassion this selfless human being gave to me as a child growing up. She made me the woman I am today.
We have stayed in contact with each other all my life. She met and fell in love with Cliff. We honored her at DAP’s 25th Anniversary. She became a lover and supporter of our ministry.
The picture shows us at her 91st surprise birthday party in Oklahoma City. I also surprised her by attending the ceremony for the elementary school in Oklahoma City that was named after her.
We just talked two weeks ago and as my ‘Mom,’ she encouraged me. I will miss our intimacy together.
I wish there were 100 Thelma Parks where there was only 1. She leaves a legacy that will live in thousands of students’ heart❤️ forever. A life well lived. RIP, ‘Mom’.
