Parks, Patricia Gillespie

Grace Patricia (Pat) Parks (née Gillespie) died in hospice care at 85 years old in her home in Blacksburg, Va., on May 8, 2018. Grace grew up in Warren Michigan and raised her family in Indiana, Virginia, and North Carolina. She raised six children who will be forever grateful for her guidance, patience, and unconditional love.

Grace will be celebrated for her remarkable spirit, which was strong and tenacious, yet gentle and kind. She is one for the ages.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Neil Parks; parents, Emma and John Gillespie; sister, Lois Hable; and brothers, Ray and John Gillespie. She is survived by her sons, David Neil, Duane William, John Charles (Sandra), and Bradley Neil Parks; daughters, Nancy Eleanor Parks and Ashley Grace (David) Hall; grandchildren, Erin Kimberly (Ryan) Fox, Brittany Claire (Evan) Holder, Matthew Henry, Alexander Elijah (Tyrah), and Jenny Pauline Brisendine; great-grandchildren, Aleyn Alexander Holder, William and Isaac Parks, and Cora Morning Fox.

Her family will gather for a private memorial. Grace would be very appreciative that you thought to send flowers or donations but would tell you to keep the flowers for your own enjoyment or donate the money to a cause that makes you happy.