Margaree Wilson Washington Parks

Margaree Wilson Washington Parks, 91, of Winchester, Virginia, died Saturday January 26, 2008 at Winchester Medical Center Winchester, Virginia.

Mrs. Parks was born October 4, 1916 in Norfolk, Virginia the daughter of James Edward Wilson, Sr. and Mary Ruth Gibson Wilson. She was the oldest of eleven children. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Her church activities included membership in the Missionary Circle, the Willing Workers, the Improvement Club and superintendent of the Sunday School. Her untiring services were instrumental in the revitalization of the exterior and interior of the former location of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church on Braddock Street.

Mrs. Parks strong dedication to the community of Winchester included work with C-Cap and Fremont Street Day Nursery. She was a member of the Mother's Club which was a social and financial organization for the Fremont Day Nursery. Mrs. Parks was also a member of the NAACP.

She was a school teacher having served in Capon Bridge West, Virginia from 1936-1946. Her name at this time was Mrs. Washington. She moved to Winchester, Virginia in 1946 and began her tenure of the next 40 years as a teacher in various Winchester City Public Schools. These included Douglas High School, Winchester Intermediate School, and Daniel Morgan Middle School. Her commitment to Douglas High School lasted until her death including all activities with the Douglas Alumni Association. She was a member of the National Teachers Association and until recently an active member of Winchester Retired Teachers Association attending meeting and monthly activities.

She leaves to cherish her memories; three daughter, Harriet McCarther of Silver Spring, MD, Frances Hart of Chesterfield, MO., and Sylvia L. Washington of Baltimore, MD; one stepchild, Charles Ramon Parks of Martinsburg, WV; two sisters, Meanor Garnette and Oscetteta Grimes both of Virginia Beach; one brother Paul L. Wilson of Virginia; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews,

Two sisters, five brothers, one son, Ronald W. Washington and a stepdaughter, Elaine Payne preceded her in death.

Mrs. Parks will be remembered by her family, church, and community.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am Thursday January 31 2008 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, Virginia with Pastor Gilbert M. Mack, Jr.

Family will receive friends Wednesday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the church.

Burial will be in Orrick Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia.

Pallbearers will friends of the family.

Contributions may be sent to:

Douglas Alumni Scholarship Fund
542 Eagle Place
Winchester, Virginia 22601

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted To
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, Virginia