Louise Hemric Parks

Louise Hemric Parks, widow of Ernest W. Parks, departed this life and entered into the Presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday evening,  April 5, 2023, at the age of 93 years. She passed from here to Glory at peace with God through her faith in Jesus Christ. And she was at peace in herself through her confidence in His promises.

She was born on June 26, 1929 to Glenn William Hemric and Clyde Victoria Hayes Hemric as the first of four children and the only daughter. She was raised in Jonesville/Yadkin County, NC before coming to Winston-Salem to work at the age of 17. She was married to Ernest W. Parks in 1947, and they were married for 65 years.

She attended school in Yadkin County through the 11^th grade, and then later, as an adult, she earned her GED from Forsyth Technical Institute in Winston Salem at the age of 50. During this same time, her children taught her to drive, and she got her driver’s license.  She continued her education at Forsyth Tech to acquire her LPN degree, graduating with honors. She worked for 18 years in the nursing field.

She devoted her life to being a homemaker until their six children were out of school. She nurtured and cultivated character and faith in Christ in their lives. “Her children rise and call her ‘Blessed’” (Proverbs 31.28).

She also served the Lord in the role of a pastor’s wife as a charter member of Goldfloss Baptist Chapel where her husband, Ernest, was the founding pastor in 1954. When he accepted the pastorate of Little Sewell Baptist Church, Crag WV, she served with him there from 1957-66. She then returned to Winston Salem with him and has been a member of Hillcrest Baptist church since 1966.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest (2013); her parents; her son-in-law, John Fleshman; two grandsons, Will Gough and Jacob Russell; her brothers, Fred, RJ, and Alan Hemric and Alan’s wife, Betty.

Surviving to continue her legacy of love, faith, and service are her six children: Daniel Parks (Sandy), David Parks (Debbie), Philip Parks (Randy), Sharon Russell (Calvin), Joy Fleshman-Smith (Bobby) and Paula Antonelli (Ralph); 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and more friends and those who have been influenced by her life than we know.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Her Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 12 noon at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.  A burial service will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

Her service will be led by her three sons, Daniel, David, and Philip, and her Pastor, Bobby Smith.

For those who wish to make memorial contributions, donations may be made in her memory to her beloved Hillcrest Baptist Church, 4580 S Main St, Winston Salem NC 27127.