Janice Marie Roberts Parks

On October 1, 2025, Janice Marie Roberts Parks, 90, a resident of Pontotoc and formerly of Houlka, passed away peacefully at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo.

Born on March 28, 1935, in Houlka to Shorty and Dale Burt Roberts, Jan lived a life full of joy, service, and adventure. A 1953 honor graduate of Houlka High School, she was chosen Miss Houlka High School, received the Balfour Award, and was a standout on the basketball court, beginning her varsity career in the eighth grade. Decades later, she was named Houlka’s Female Basketball Player of the Century—a title that captured her competitive spirit and love of the game.

On April 23, 1955, Jan married the love of her life, T. M. Parks. Together they built a marriage of 64 years filled with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures. The couple traveled through 46 states and abroad, creating memories that they later shared with schools, churches, and friends.

A faithful member of Houlka First Baptist Church, Jan poured her heart into service—teaching Sunday school, VBS, Training Union, Women on Mission, singing in the choir, and cheerfully stepping up for “too many committees to name.” Known for her hospitality, she never missed an opportunity to bring homemade treats to classrooms or brighten a gathering with her wit. Her practical jokes were legendary, and her zest for life drew people to her wherever she went.

Jan’s entrepreneurial and creative spirit shone through her ownership of Jan’s Gift Shop, her book of poetry Have I Only Lived?, and welcoming guests as hostess at Anna Beth’s on Oxford. She also served her community delivering meals with the “Food Warriors.” In her quiet moments, she delighted in game shows, cheered on the Memphis Grizzlies, and enjoyed phone conversations with dear friends.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in the hearts of her family: her sons Mike Parks (Jo) and Patrick Parks; her sister Becky Brock (Stan); her sister-in-law Joan Parks; grandchildren Megan Parks Newland (John) and J. P. Parks (Samantha); four great-grandchildren, Caryn and Jackson Newland and Archer and Harlem Parks; nieces Jennifer Jan Tutor (David), Lisa Gray (Brian), Jennifer Washington, and Shana Bell; and the, “third son,” Forrest Johnston (Mitzi).

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Steve Montgomery, Donna Jones Warren, Patsy Luther Walker, Representative Beth Luther Waldo, Jane Hart, Charlie Ruth Montgomery, Malissa Baskin, Dr. Justin Jeffus, Sara Baldwin, and the staff of Sanctuary Hospice House for their excellent care and kindness.

A service celebrating “A Life Well Lived by T. M. and Jan Parks” will be shared by their sons, Mike and Patrick, on October 19, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Houlka First Baptist Church. Visitation with family and friends will follow. The lives Jan and T. M. lived were far from ordinary, and their Homegoing Celebration will be just as extraordinary.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Parks may be directed to Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803, or Houlka First Baptist Church, PO Box 205, Houlka, MS 38850.

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