Erma Jean Parks (Dec. 3, 1925 - Feb. 20, 2024) Marlow, OK

Erma Jean Parks, 98, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in Duncan, OK in the comforting presence of her children.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home with Rev. Toby Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the Marlow Cemetery under the direction of Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services of Marlow, Oklahoma.

Public visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home in Marlow.

Jean was born Thursday, December 3, 1925, in Marlow to Marvin Alfred Henson and Bessie Savanah (Howze) Henson. She grew up in the area and graduated from Bray High School. On February 22, 1947, Jean married Virgil J. Parks in Wichita Falls, TX. Together, they moved to Texas where they began to raise their family. In 1987, Jean and Virgil moved back to Oklahoma.

They were married for over 56 years before Virgil preceded her in death. Jean carried on as the matriarch of her family, and she was happy to sacrifice anything for them. Jean loved spending time with people whether she was having company over or arm wrestling her great-grandchildren. Jean loved having guests, and she always met them with exceptional hospitality. Jean also loved fishing, camping, and playing games with friends and family, from chickenfoot dominoes to Bingo or Skipbo. You better not have been cheating though, because she would catch you! Jean was also just as punctual as she was sociable. If there were plans for 12:00, 12:01 was late! Jean was a good friend, a great family member, and the queen of Westwind Assisted Living. She will be deeply missed, but her memories with loved ones will be carried on for generations.

Survivors include her son, Kimmy Marino, and wife, Beckie, of Pittsburg, TX, her daughter, Kathryn Bingham, and husband, Wayne, of Duncan, eight grandchildren, 10

great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Bobby Jack Henson, and her three sisters, Jefie Lee Bowman, Zetta Mae Henson, and Marlene Morrison.

Jean's family would like to express their gratitude to Westwind Assisted Living's staff, the members of Choice Hospice, and Dr. McGouran for the tender, loving care that they provided to Jean.

Online condolences may be made to www.callawaysmithcobb.com

*This obituary will be published in our February 29, 2024 printed weekly edition.