Obituaries

Homegoing Services Of Ms. Johnnie Parks

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Jackson-Parks was born September 27, 1953 in Bryan, Texas. Johnnie was the third child born in the union of Ernest and Ida Jackson.
Johnnie accepted God early in life when she was baptized at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas. When the Jackson family moved from Bryan to San Antonio, Texas, Johnnie joined New Mt. Rose Baptist Church where her uncle, the late Reverend D. H. Hall was Pastor. during her membership there, Johnnie’s angelical voice made her a Lead Vocalist.
In 1972, Johnnie graduated from East Central High School in San Antonio, Texas where she excelled academically. Johnnie was a fierce competitor, especially when she played softball. There were times she would end up being a player coach due to her competitive nature. Because of her speed and accuracy, Johnnie also shined on the baseball field as an outfielder and power hitter. Her teammates knew if they were on base, Johnnie would advance them.From 1976 to 1995, Johnnie was the First Lady and Adult Sunday School teacher at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in La Grange, Texas where her husband Reverend Doctor Norris Lee Eason, Sr. was Pastor. Alongside her husband, she was a community leader focused on the enrichment of the Black community, and providing financial support to the needy of all backgrounds. Johnnie was also an entrepreneur and co-founder of two businesses located in La Grange and Giddings, Texas.
Through her example, leadership and maternal support, her children have gone on to be Church Founding Pastors (1), Entrepreneurs (2), Nursing directors (1), and Finance directors at Fortune 5 companies (1).
Johnnie was a kind and humble person. She would say what was needed to be said in a way that later, you would say, “she just told me off.”
Johnnie loved the Lord and especially her family. From 1997 to her transition, Johnnie was married to Edward Hilton Parks and joined Morningstar Baptist Church where the late Reverend Dave B. Young, Sr. was Pastor. While at Morningstar Baptist Church, Johnnie served as a Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent, Mission President, Choir President, and pivotal member in the successful construction of a new church edifice. Later on, she joined her final church home at Goodwill Baptist Church in Dime Box, Texas where Minister Richard Washington is Pastor. While at Goodwill Baptist Church, Johnnie was President of the Pastor’s Aide, Mission President, and Lead Soloist in the Choir.
Johnnie worked as the WAC Director at Texas Rural Health Services (TRHS). As WAC Director, Johnnie’s responsibilities included supervising and training the staff as well as supervising and visiting with consumers. She worked at TRHS for over 21 years, starting as a job coach and
working her way to director.
On Friday, December 11, 2020, the Lord called Johnnie ’ s name. He opened the gates and welcomed her in. She is in heaven with her Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.
Johnnie leaves to cherish her memories: her husband Edward Hilton Parks – her children Raymond Anthony III, Nichol Eason (Dave Slama), Norris Eason (Tamika Eason), Nathaniel Eason (Amber Eason), and Nigel Eason (Mone Eason) – her siblings Rosie Morris, James Jackson, Christopher Jackson, Linda Jackson, Samuel Jackson, Barbara Jackson, Tracey Lewis, Terri Tates, Ernest Jackson III, Melanie Harris, and DeWayne Brown – her 17 Grandchildren and one Great-Grandchild – her Uncle, Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, many friends and a supportive church family.