Sharon “Shari” DeLozier Parks
KNOXVILLE - We are saddened to announce the passing of Sharon (Shari) D. Parks, 74, who went to be with Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, on September 11, 2023. Shari was surrounded by her family in her Knoxville home. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, educator, and friend. Shari was a Christ-follower from a young age and a member of First Baptist Concord Church. For 19 years, Shari taught elementary students in Blount County Schools. She especially loved the children and fellow teachers at Fairview Elementary School. Shari graduated from Everett High School and the University of Tennessee. She loved cheering on the Vols! Her passions included bowling with friends, dancing with her husband, and traveling with Crew 12, Patrol Squadron 60 Naval Aviators and their spouses to exotic places. She particularly enjoyed the Great Smoky Mountains and the beach. After retiring from teaching and moving to Virginia, she began a second career of service that included volunteering in Loudon County Hospital. Her sunny disposition encouraged all around her. Upon returning to Knoxville, she continued volunteering with her Sunday School group on projects such as the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Rule DeLozier and Corlus DeLozier. Cherished by all who knew her, she will be missed by her college sweetheart and husband of 53 years, Retired Naval Captain James C. Parks; daughter Michelle Goodson and husband Kevin; granddaughter Caryssa Anderson and grandson Cory Anderson; brother Roger DeLozier and wife Sondra; brother-in-law Frank Parks and wife Lynn; brother-inlaw John Parks; niece Jennifer Parks Scott and husband Ira; nephews, Brian Parks and wife Tatiana, and Ric DeLozier; and many friends. Family will receive friends Sunday, September 17, from 1-3pm at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with a service to follow at 3pm. A graveside service will be held Monday, September 18, at 8:30am at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in Shari’s honor to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. (https://www.alztennessee.org/give/donate-now )