Janet "Jan" Anne Parks

Extraordinary wouldn’t have been enough to capture Janet “Jan” Anne Parks who departed the world in the morning hours of January 11, 2021, at the age of 86.

Jan defied all expectations of what a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother should be. She was uniquely herself and had a laugh that could be recognized from a mile away. Anyone lucky enough to cross her path learned that love was limitless and that a stranger could always be turned into a friend. Jan was the matriarch of the Parks family and she taught her family and friends to lead with love, to hug often, and to laugh from deep down in their bellies (especially in cases where you didn’t understand something). If she imparted one piece of wisdom it would have been that nothing is more valuable than those special moments with family.

Jan’s door was always open, for anyone, and no conversation was off-limits, and it was guaranteed that no matter how serious the conversation, it would undoubtedly end in a fit of laughter and smiles. That was how Jan moved through life. No matter the difficulties she encountered, she always chose joy because life was too short to choose anything else.

Jan wasn’t known for being the best cook, but it didn’t matter because she always served up the best dish: a heaping plate of love. She truly left a remarkable impression on those she loved and the world around her.

Undoubtedly, the greatest influence on Jan’s long and well-lived life was her brother and best friend, Wesley. Jan’s family is at peace knowing that the two are together, once again.

Jan is survived by her three children, Scott, Jone, and Todd; their spouses, Candace, Shorty/Albert, and Dee; her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, Leslie and Tony, Christopher and Priscilla, Crystal and Zach, Taylor and Mitch, Brittany, Shelby, T.J., Dylan, Zach, Cady and Cody; and her four great-grandchildren Bryson, Harlan, Braden, and Addie.

There will be a private ceremony to honor Jan's life in her most beloved place in the world, The Redwoods. Donations may be made to PEP Housing at www.pephousing.org