Obituary

Peggy Sue Murphy Parks of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord on July 17, 2017 at her home. She was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on November 12, 1927, the fifth of six children of Eugene Gilmore and Amelia Remes Murphy.

Peggy graduated from Fayetteville High School as the DAR Good Citizen of the class of 1945. She served as State President of Young People, Presbyterian Church USA, and received leadership training at Montreat, North Carolina. She was chosen as one of three delegates from the General Assembly to attend a seminar on World Order which met at the newly formed United Nations, Lake Success, NY, in 1947.

Following three semesters at the University of Arkansas, Peggy accepted a full scholarship to Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville, Arkansas. After three semesters, the Division Manager of Southwestern Electric invited her to enter the business world. In 1949, Peggy Murphy married Donald Parks and moved to Prairie Grove, where Donald was associated with the family business, Prairie Grove Telephone Company, founded by his grandfather, Dr. E.G McCormick in the 1880’s. Their son, David McCormick Parks, was born in 1954.

Peggy taught Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church of Prairie Grove for 33 years. In 1957, the superintendent of schools in Prairie Grove asked Peggy to substitute teach in a split first and second grade class, and Peggy knew she had found her calling. She was hired to teach full time, and earned a degree in education during summer vacations. Peggy taught fourth grade for 30 years. The class of 1984 chose Peggy to be the Grand Marshall of their Homecoming parade.

Governor Bill Clinton appointed Peggy to the state Democratic Committee, and Governor Jim Guy Tucker extended that appointment to ten years. Peggy served on the Fayetteville City Hospital board, and later, the Washington Regional Foundation board, where she chaired the Gala committee for three years. She also served on the Ozark Guidance Foundation board; she and Donald were made Life Members of the Director’s Circle.

Peggy served on the board of the Arts Center of the Ozarks; in 1997, she was the only female “Roastee” for the annual Roast and Toast fundraiser, which was emceed by Senator David Pryor. As a member of the Barbara Mashburn Scholarship foundation, Peggy accompanied the singers to Washington, D.C. in 1998, 1999, and 2000 when they were invited by President Bill Clinton to perform for Christmas receptions at the White House.

In 2003, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation inducted Peggy into the Hall of Honor as a graduate and thirty-year educator; she later served on their board. Governors Jim Guy Tucker and Mike Beebe appointed Peggy to the Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Commission. She was a charter member of Chapter CQ, P.E.O.

The Parks family established an Endowed Professorship in the College of Education at the University of Arkansas in 2006. In 2007, the Parks family received the Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement award at the annual luncheon of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2009, sixty years after Peggy might have graduated from Lyon College, she was made an honorary alumna during the inauguration ceremonies of the new president, Dr. Donald Weatherman.

In 2012, the Epley Center for Health Professions building on the University of Arkansas campus dedicated the second floor to Peggy and her mother, Emilia Murphy, RN. This building enabled the university to double the number of graduate nurses.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her parents, brother James Ellis Murphy, and sisters June Giles, Mary Clark, and Jeanne Hicks, all of Fayetteville. She is survived by her son, David McCormick Parks, his wife, Pam, and her family of three daughters, two sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren, and by her sister, Betty George and husband David, of Dallas, Texas.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all of Peggy’s caregivers, but most especially to Allen Wood and Brian New. Memorials may be made to Washington Regional Foundation, P.O. Box 356
Fayetteville, AR 72702. Ozark Guidance Foundation, P.O. Box 6430, Springdale, AR 72766-6430, or Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, PO Box 571, Fayetteville, AR 72702.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie Grove Christian Church.
Funeral Service

10:00 am
Prairie Grove Christian Church. There will be no graveside service.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 12, Space 51
General

Nov 12, 1927

Jul 17, 2017

89

Tributes

Mrs. Parks was an amazing person. A wonderful teacher and outstanding pillar of the community. She will be greatly missed by all. She left behind a impression on this community that live on for years to come.
Tina James - Student
Peggy was one of the most gracious women I have known. She always took the time to pay attention to a child or an adult, making them feel validated. I will always remember her with affection and my sympathies are sent to David and his family
Merice Mills - Friend of many years
Peggy has made such an impact on our lives and the lives of countless others. Our life has been enriched by her kindness, thoughtfulness and guidance. She welcomed us with open arms and we immediately fell in love with her, Donald and David. Thank you, Peggy, for your friendship, love and the beautiful legacy you have given us all. We love you and miss you.
Bill & Mildred Rogers - Friends
Mrs. Parks was my favorite teacher. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
Kathy Brewster Hall - Former student
I have known Peggy Parks literally all my life. She was friends with my mom and until I had her as a teacher I called her Peggy. After having her in 4th grade, it took me 20-25 years before I could call her Peggy again. She was one of the most professional teachers I experienced in 20 years of education. Her classroom skills were unparalleled. She and Donald were the most civic minded people I have known. The friendship I had with them was among the strongest that I had the privilege of having. They have been a true blessing in my life and they have truly blessed our community. From 4th grade I have felt like they were among my biggest supporters. What a tribute to have impacted the lives of so many students and to have made such a profound impact on Prairie Grove, Job well done Mrs. Parks!
Andrew Bain - Friend
Peggy was one of those people who could light up any room, bring glamor and grace to any event, and could make you feel like you are the most important person in the world, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Her constant smile, her kind words, the tender touch of her hand on your shoulder, these are the things I will always remember about Peggy. Once you met her, you had a friend for life. David, Betty, Susan, and Karen, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda (Thompson) Scott - friend
Mrs. Parks had a tremendous influence on my life. It sounds funny to say that about a 4th grade teacher, but it couldn't be more true. She was the first teacher who I felt like truly believed in me. She pushed me to limits I didn't know I had, both as a student and as a human being. The world is a better place because of her.
George Kuharick - Student/Friend
David and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. All 3 of us Kyle, Kirk and I had your mom as our 4th grade teacher. She was one of my favorite teachers and I know that she and my mother spent alot of time sharing stories of their teaching days together. What a blessing she was to many generations of families in the Prairie Grove community.
Kelley Turner Forshee - Student
David, Linda and I extend our sympathies to you and your family. Your mom was certainly an accomplished and respected person. Her greatest accomplishment was you. I love you like a brother. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Dennis Boyd - Family friend
Peggy Parks earned my respect and admiration the first time she walked into the Prairie Grove Enterprise-- a few days after I started as editor in 1989. She was so kind and friendly. I've met lots of great people from Prairie Grove, but never anyone better than Mrs. Peggy Parks..
Scott Davis - Friend
My aunt has always been so kind to me and I have felt lucky that she was part of our family. She has done so much and helped so many. Whenever I had contact with her I felt like I was a special person. She was certainly a special person to me. She was smart and funny, and somehow made people she was with feel good about themselves. I will miss her and always remember her.
Nancy McCollum - Niece
I have always had the highest respect for Peggy and the Parks family. I am sorry for your loss and know she will be missed. David and family are in our prayers. God Bless
Todd Sanders - Friend
David, Prayers for you and you family during these difficult times.
RON JORDAN - FRIEND
As you walk through this time of loss, may you know that the Lord walks with you and He will comfort you. P.E.O. Sisters of Chapter CQ.
P.E.O. Sisterhood - Friends
As a transplant from Colorado, Mrs. Park's welcomed me into this wonderful community and dubbed me with the nickname "Sunshine". My hippie flare was enamored with this sweet title. Peggy was a blessing to me personally and I am honored to call her my friend. ((Hugs)) sweet lady.
Sharon Guist - Prairie Grove USPS Window Clerk
Funeral Service

10:00 am
Prairie Grove Christian Church. There will be no graveside service.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 12, Space 51
General

Nov 12, 1927

Jul 17, 2017

89