GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids, Mich. – Dr. Patricia “Precious” Park

Oldt, age 83, died on February 17, 2021, at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, after a long illness. Pat was born on January 21, 1938, in De Queen, Ark., to her late parents, Fay Walker Park and Floy Runyan Park.

Pat grew up in De Queen believing it to be the “best little city in the world”, and graduated with honors from the local high school in 1956. She attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1960 as well as serving as president of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She earned her Masters and Doctorate degree in Education from Michigan State University. Her career in education included serving as Assistant Dean of Continuing Education at Grand Rapids Community College, Assistant Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, Superintendent of Northview Public Schools (19932000) and both Distinguished Professor of Education and Vice President for Planning & Equity at Grand Valley State University. She served on numerous local and state boards devoted to advancing education and social causes. She cherished her role as beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friends as well as an adoring companion for the many animals who came into her life. She was a mentor to many, a wise counselor to her colleagues, a trusted to children and adults alike, and a generous and loving friend.

A private graveside service will be held in De Queen at a later date under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Marth Engstrom and husband Harold, and nephew Robert Allen Engstrom. She is survived by her loving son, John Walker Knox of Grand Rapids, Mich., a brother, Don Park (Joan) of Greenbrier, Tenn., and niece Kristin Park Langston (Tracy) also of Greenbrier, Tenn., nephews, Jim Engstrom (Laura), Bruce Engstrom (Sue) and Stephen Engstrom (Rebecca) all of Little Rock as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

For those wishing to honor the memory of Pat, the family suggest memorials in her name to Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, Salute to Women Scholarships, 143 Bostwick Ave., N.E. Grand Rapids Mich., 49503 or to Alzheimer’s Association, 11300 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Suite 205A, Little Rock, Ark., 72212.