Mrs. Betty Adkins Parks, 77, wife of the late Joseph Lee “Joey” Parks and a resident of Melfa, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Onancock surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on Feb. 26, 1947, in Nassawadox, Betty was the devoted daughter of Everett and Louise Adkins. Growing up in the close-knit community of Texaco Town on Fitchett Farm, she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and the enduring importance of family. One of her fondest memories was the gift of her very first vehicle, purchased by her grandfather, Lou Fitchett, in a trade for a horse — a gesture that symbolized the spirit of care and generosity she carried throughout her life.
Known affectionately as “Ma” by everyone who loved her, Betty’s greatest joy was her family. For her family, Ma would cook hearty meals, craft special keepsakes, and shop until she dropped — shopping was her regular cardio workout. She shopped for Christmas starting Dec. 26. Every year she looked forward to her annual PA Girls Trip with Dawny, Nancy, Sharon, and her favorite nurse, Tonya Dize. Through all her adventures, one thing remained constant — her faith. Her most treasured book was the Bible, a source of strength and inspiration throughout her life.
Ma’s love for her family knew no bounds, and she was happiest when she was with them. She especially delighted in traveling to Chincoteague to watch her youngest great-grandchild, Millie, whose laughter brought her endless joy. As the matriarch of her family, Betty’s presence was the glue that held everyone together. Though her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Joey, together again in their golden mansion in the sky.
Betty is survived by her children, Dawny Parks Clark (Kevin), of Onancock, and Jason Parks (Tonya), of Melfa; her siblings, Nancy Childers, of Parksley, Sharon Pruitt, of Northside Chesconessex, and Brooks Pruitt; her grandchildren, Caleb Clark, Fabiola Clark, Adrian Clark (Brittany), Ashley and Chris Jester, Austin Parks (Samantha), and Hannah Parks; her great-grandchildren, Wayne Alan Hodgson III, Lee, Mia, and Aaliyah Parks, and Millie Jester; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Lee “Joey” Parks; parents, Everett Noah Adkins and Edna Louise Adkins; and a daughter, Deborah Ann Parks.
Funeral services were conducted from Exmore Baptist Church on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jonathan Carpenter and the Rev. Paul Pruitt officiating. A reception followed at the church. Interment was held following the reception at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock.
Memorial donations in Betty’s name may be made to Bethel Colony of Mercy, 1675 Bethel Colony Road, Lenoir, NC 28645, www.bethelcolony.org
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
