Jesse Lewis Parks by Jerry Madison Harrison

Mr. Jesse Lewis Parks

“To Everything There Is a Season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1a (KJV)

“A Time To Be Born”

On October 20, 1950, Jesse Lewis Parks, affectionately known as, “Strong Arm” was born in Turner, AR, to the late Samuel Parks and Aline Cannon Parks. At an early age, Jesse accepted Christ and began his walk of faith. Later in life, he united with Metropolitan Baptist Church, Memphis, TN, where he remained a member until his health began to decline.

“A

Time To Plant”

Jesse was a proud graduate of Elize Miller High School in West Helena, AR. After graduation, he continued his education at Jackson State University and Trevecca Nazarene University. During his time at Jackson State University (JSU), he was an elite football player, as well as, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, forming lifelong bonds of brotherhood.

Following college, Jesse played one year of professional football with the Detroit Wheels before transitioning into education. He began his career as a history teacher and football coach in West Memphis, AR. His passion for education and mentorship later led him to Memphis, TN, where he continued to impact the lives of many students as both a teacher and coach at Hillcrest High School and Mitchell High School. Eventually, he transitioned into school administration, further extending his influence in the field of education. He served as Assistant Principal at Whitehaven High School, Lanier Junior High School and Oakhaven High School. He also served as principal of Humes Alternative Academy. After many years of dedicated service, Jesse retired from Memphis-Shelby County Schools in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to shaping young minds.

“A Time To Weep”

Jesse entered eternal rest, Saturday, March 14, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Parks and Aline Cannon Parks, his sisters, Betty Jean Parks, Linda Joyce Parks, and Tamy Parks, and his brothers, Otis Parks, Samuel Parks, Terry Johnson and Kerry Johnson.

To cherish his memory, Jesse leaves his devoted wife of 38 years, Betty Booker-Parks. He also leaves two children, Rosalyn Parks and Justin Parks both of Houston, TX; and two grandchildren, J’Shon Robert and Phoenix Rose, also of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Michelle Merriweather of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his siblings, Jerry Johnson, Elvis Parks, Franklin Parks, George A. Parks, Michael (Nina) Parks, Joyce Parks Sturghill, Gloria Parks, all of Chicago, IL, James (Carolyn) Parks, Sheryl Johnson of West Helena, AR., Randolph (Noell) Johnson, Carrie Woods of Little Rock, AR, and Shelia (Alfred) Jones of Jonesboro, AR. He also leaves to cherish his memory six sister-in-laws, Nettie Russell, Kathleen Booker, Annie Hardison, Stella Booker all of Columbia, TN, Eddielea Booker and Martha McCord of Nashville, TN; one brother-in-law, William (Charlene) Russell of Pittsburgh, PA; and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Celebration of Life

Friday, March 20, 2026 12:00 Noon

Christ Missionary Baptist Church

480 South Parkway East • Memphis, Tennessee 38106

Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Chuck Lester, Officiating & Eulogist

Prelude

Processional...............................................................The Family of Mr. Jesse Lewis Parks

Musical Selection......................................................................Deborah Manning Thomas

Scripture Readings: Old & New Testament............................................................Pastor Marilyn Smith

Prayer..................................................................................Reverend Dr. Stacy Dandridge

Musical Selection............................................................................................Jimmy Glass

Inspirational Reading.......................................................................................Henry Epps

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Michael Parks - Family

Jerome Turner - Classmate

Wayne Booker - Friend

Charles Battle - Friend

Musical Selection.........................................................................................Sheryl Carlock

Words of Comfort..............................................................Reverend Dr. Nadolyn Dunigan

Acknowledgements & Resolutions................................................................Minnie Logan

Musical Selection......................................................................Deborah Manning Thomas

Eulogy.......................................................................................Reverend Dr. Chuck Lester

Recessional

You Never Said Goodbye

You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye, You were gone before I knew it, And only God knew why.

A million times I cried for you, If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life, I loved you dearly, In death, I love you still. In my heart, you hold a place, That no one could ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you, But you didn’t go alone. You are now at peace with your family, While resting upon your throne. For part of me went with you, The day God called you home.

Love

Your Wife

Park The Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.” Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

~Acknowledgements ~

The family of Jesse Lewis Parks would like to express our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness expressed during this time of great loss. Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say, perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so very much, whatever the part.

Special thanks to Methodist Hospital Germantown Medical ICU and Christen Holmes, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of North Memphis for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Jesse.