Joan Horsey Parks
January 19, 1939 ~ October 6, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville ~ Joan Horsey Parks, 67, of Bull Creek Road, Asheville, died Friday, October 6, 2006 at a local hospital.
A native of Palisades Park, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Eugene C. and Emmerett Fordham Horsey. Mrs. Parks was a graduate of Houghton College (NY) and received her Masters of Education at the University of Rochester (NY).
She was a memorabilia coordinator at the Cove, an antiques dealer, a wedding director and an avid gardener. She and her husband both sang extensively in concerts, on stage and in the church. She was a member of Arden Presbyterian Church for 24 years and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her warmth, hospitality and humor have created memories to cherish forever.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Norman H. Parks; four children, Dr. Lenore Parks Koon and her husband, James C. Koon, III of Advance, NC, Cheryl Parks Burleson and her husband, Tony Lee Burleson of Asheville, John E. Parks of Brooklyn, NY and Jennifer Parks Boice and her husband, Darren S. Boice of Asheville; five grandchilddren, Dustin Burleson, Grant Burleson, Connor Boice, Emmerette Boice and Westley Koon and three brothers, William, David and Robert Horsey.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Arden Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Chris Yates officiating.
A private interment will be held at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Joan has been a dear and treasured friend for over 40 years. The memories begin in intern resident housing in Rochester, NY when we were both mothers of two year olds. They have continued through the years even when we’ve lived a long distance apart. Her generosity of spirit, her many gifts and especially her humor will always be remembered. I will miss her very much.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Joan for over 15 years. She was a very special friend, and I will miss her. My thought and prayers are with the family. Judy Dills
We first met Joan when Norm and I were interns together. Of the numerous times over the years Joanna and I met with them as friends, she never failed to bring me to laughter and raise my spirits. What a spirit and what a heart she had! Heaven is gaining some joy.
My family and the Parks family have know each other since Dr. Parks joined practice with my dad many years ago. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Norm,
We send our love and deepest sympathy. Just learned of Joan’s passing through Gail Graham. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your family.
Robert & Linda
Dear Norm and family, we are so saddened by Joan’s untimely death. We will always remember her sweet smile, down to earth friendliness, her many talents and her gift of hospitality.Our last memories are when she was wedding director of Mark’s wedding and the joy she shared with us on that occasion. She’ll continue to smile down on you all; you were the light of her life. With love,
Dr. Parks & family~
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Mrs. Parks was always such a lovely lady! Praying the Lord will comfort you with His peace, surround you with His love & encourage you with His presence.
Love~
Amber Buckner Cooper
Dear Family, James and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. The joy, compassion and creativity that Joan brought to life lives in each of you today. May her gifts of the spirit and the love of Christ strengthen you at this time. Love, James and Mary Belle Carroll
Dear Dr. Parks and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God will give you grace, strength and peace through this time.
Dear Dr. Parks,
I am so sorry to hear about Joan. She was just a lovely lady.I am sure that she touched many hearts over the years. I pray that the Lord will comfort you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I pray that God keep His arms around you and keep you in peace.
Dr Parks,
I am sorry to her about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time and there after. May God give you the strength that is needed to cope with such a difficult time. God bless.
Lenore,
I don’t know if you will remember me from your days in Asheville, my parents told me about your mother and I wanted to let you know I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan is a dear friend that will be missed by our family. A true sister in Christ. She shared her kindness and joy so freely . We send our prays and love. Yours friends in Christ. Love Tom,Sara and Owen.
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, Dr. Parks. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. shirley
We are so sorry for your loss. Joan was a wonderful person and she will be truly missed. We are praying for your whole family.
Norm and children, WE are so sorry for your lose. Our prayers are with you.
Julia, Sheri and Rusty Crum
I am a friend of Joan’s from the Screen Door. It was such a pleasure to see her there, always with a smile and usually with Dr. Parks. I will miss her very much. I went into her booth on Monday to feel her presence and straighten up for her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and let me know if I can be of any help.
To Norm and your wonderful family,
Joan brought such love and caring to all of us here at Arden Presbyterian Church. Her gifts were endless –from her lovely voice to her incredible decorating skills to her ability to oversee and plan weddings to her gracious expressions of hospitality.
When I was around Joan –there was always laughter and fun. She was one of those special people who lit up one’s day.
I also remember a beautiful gift and antique shop that she once owned –full of all kinds of things that would make a home seem special. Yet a visit there was not just to shop, but to spend some time with Joan and bask in her joyful spirit.
I will be one of many who will miss her. And yet I know that she has been welcomed into eternity by our Lord. Hers was indeed a life well lived for Him.
My love and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
We were so shocked to hear of Joan’s death. She was so gifted in so many ways. Her warm personality and sense of humor caused all who knew her to love her. We pray that the Lord will be close and comfort you all. How wonderful to know that this separation is only for a time. How wonderful are His promises.
Dr. Parks and family,
Words cannot express to you how devastated we are by Mrs. Parks death. I wish I had the chance to share with her how much laughter and acceptance she gave to me each time I was with her. I so look forward to the day that she will welcome me into Heaven. We are praying for strength and comfort for each of you that can only come from our Heavenly father at a time like this. Jennifer and Cheryl, I have cried for you the last few days. I look forward to seeing you and I am so sorry that I could not be there this week. I have been praying and crying from Greensboro! I love your family. May you find peace knowing that your mom is hearing her Lord say, ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant.’ And she did it with such class!
Much love,
Tina and Ben Herndon
Our prayers are with the entire family. Just know that Joan is with the Lord and has joined the ‘Heavenly Choir’. Her wonderful voice is echoing through the streets right now. We love all of you and will help in any way we can.
Mike, Debbie, McKenzie, Colby, and Maddison Harris