Margaret "Margie" Ann Parks

Margaret Ann “Margie” Parks, born October 13, 1948, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose life was defined by her love for her family, her dedication to education, and the countless ways she cared for others.

Margie was the daughter of Shirley (Boyd) and Lewis Chalfant, who preceded her in death. She was married to her husband, Carl Parks, and together they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in September.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; her children, Kevin (Cara) Parks of Ashland, Ohio, and Cathleen (Azeez) Okunlola of Ostrander, Ohio; her grandchildren, Justin, Ayo, and Lewa; and her step-grandchildren, Molly and Brooklyn. She also remained close to her former daughter-in-law, Cindy Parks, who continued to be a part of her life.

Margie dedicated her professional life to teaching elementary school students in the Mineral Ridge, Brookfield, and Hartford school districts, as well as substituting in other area schools. She earned her bachelor's degree from Kent State University and her master's degree from Youngstown State University. Over the years, she taught countless second graders to write in cursive, leaving behind a legacy of learning and a standard of penmanship that her family will always remember.

Teaching was only one expression of Margie's nurturing spirit. She was a homemaker and mother in every sense, sewing clothes and Halloween costumes for her children, preparing school lunches, cooking family dinners, and maintaining a vegetable garden that supplied fresh ingredients for the family table. Her crock-pot kielbasa and pistachio dessert became cherished family favorites. Her care extended well beyond her own household through years of service as a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Brownie leader.

Margie was a member of Ohltown United Methodist Church in Mineral Ridge and Brookfield United Methodist Church in Brookfield, Ohio. She was also an avid reader who could happily lose herself in a novel for hours, enjoyed traveling with her cousins on girls' trips, and traveled to Japan to visit her daughter while she was studying abroad. She took countless photographs, stayed connected to family through letters and care packages, and made every effort to be present for her grandchildren's birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments.

Her family will remember her not only for the meals she prepared and the traditions she created, but also for her humor, resourcefulness, fierce devotion, and quiet generosity. Whether slipping a little extra money into the car for emergencies, sending homemade banana nut bread back to college, or driving countless miles to see her grandchildren, Margie had a way of making sure the people she loved were cared for.

Margie leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and love that will continue through her family and all those whose lives she touched. A private memorial service was held by her family to celebrate her life and remember the many ways she enriched the lives of those around her.