Karen Dise Parks

Mrs. Karen Dise Parks, 61, of Tangier Island, VA, formerly of Onley, VA, went peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 3, 2020, with her loving family at her side. Born August 4, 1959 on Tangier Island, VA, she was the daughter of the late Adrian Ewell Dise and Gladys Marie Bowden Dise.

A matriarch, best friend, and confidant, Karen leaves to honor and celebrate her memory her husband of 44 years, Rev. Charles W. “Chuck” Parks III; their daughters, Rebecca Parks Eberts and her husband, ET, of Cashville, VA and Hannah Parks Annis and her husband, John, of Gargartha, VA; brothers; Cook Cannon and his wife, Jody, Larry Dise and his wife, Hennie, and Dana Dise and his wife, Sharon, all of Tangier; grandchildren, Wesley and Aidan Eberts, and Lily Miles and David Annis; several nieces and nephews, to include her special niece, Janet Cannon-Ford; and countless children, neighbors, and friends, all of whom were grateful to have known her love. In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by her sister, Joanne Cooper and her husband, Bill.

With a heart full of boundless generosity and compassion, Karen’s bright light and warm smile instantly brought ease to those around her. Though she would stop at nothing to help anyone in need, Karen was especially drawn to children and the elderly. For many years, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Kegotank Elementary School, and most recently at Tangier Combined School, and was always the first to comfort her preschooler’s when they were upset. Often preparing and delivering meals to the elderly, Karen looked forward to her regular visits and long talks. A faithful servant of the Lord in all that she did and all that she was, Karen proudly devoted her time to her church, the congregation, and the community. For decades, she served as a bible school and Sunday school teacher, organized church fundraisers and functions, and remained active in Relay for Life. Karen’s love for children, the Lord, and her precious family came full circle during her favorite time of year – Christmas. Though she never made a fuss about anything, Christmas was the exception, as it brought her great joy to celebrate all she adored. Karen was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend whose legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

Funeral services were conducted from the graveside at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend Bob Cooper officiating.

A memorial service will be held at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Contributions in Karen’s memory may be made to Swain Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 199, Tangier, VA 23440 or to the American Cancer Society, ATTN: Relay for Life of Nandua, 1315 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite D, Salisbury, MD 21804 (memo: In Memory of Karen Parks) or online at www.relayforlife.org/nanduava.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com. 

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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