Dixie Parks

PARKS, Dixie Anne - Age 82, of Saratoga, WY., Formerly of Pontiac, Milford, and Carp Lake, MI., left her earthly life, Tuesday, November 10, 2020. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 PM until the time of the service on Sunday. Interment will take place 1 PM Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Carp Lake Township Cemetery in Carp Lake, MI. Dixie was born the daughter of Lynn Howell Davis Sr. and Mary (Segadi) Davis on October 11, 1938 in Pontiac, MI. Dixie graduated from Pontiac Central High School, where she met her husband, in 1956. She married Charles G. Parks Sr. in 1956 and moved to Milford where they raised their four children. Dixie was an educator at West Highland Christian Academy and active member of West Highland Baptist Church. Dixie was also an active member in the Milford Jaycees Club and served as past National President of the Jaycetts Club. Charles and Dixie stayed in the Milford and Highland area until moving to their summer cottage full time in 1986. At this time they opened the Charles G. Parks Sr. Funeral Home in Petoskey. After her husband's passing in 1996, Dixie continued to serve the Northern Michigan community alongside her son and family through the family funeral business. She was a very active member of the American Cancer Society and the Northern MI Cancer Crusaders. She also enjoyed being a part of the Petoskey Food Co-Op and the MI Red Hat Society. Dixie loved sewing with her friends and serving as host of the Stitch, Bitch, and Eat Club. She loved participating in the yearly Carp Lake Festival and parade. Dixie's heart was spending time with, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed late night pontoon rides and teaching those children about the solar system, stars, and the Northern lights. Dixie loved photography and was always the one behind the camera, taking many pictures of her family and events. Popcorn and chocolate were always a staple at her house. Traveling was a real passion for her, taking many state to state trips, enjoying the views from the passenger seat. Dixie had a bright smile, the most positive attitude, and was an encouragement to all. To know Dixie was to know hope. Dixie is survived by Hazen Hileman, her son Charles (Marie) G. Parks Jr, daughter Jacque Brandel, and daughter Dixie Anne (Dan) Bickes; brother Skip (Rose) Davis, and sister Iris (Jim) Wolfe. Grandchildren: Nikki (Harry) Hibbler, Travis (Ashley) Bickes, Marylynne (Patrick) Burch, Zach (Michelle) Brandel, Alicia, and Danielle Bickes, Luke, and Jake Brandel, Loriel Grigsby, Kortney Harris, Cody Parks, and Charles G. Parks III. Great-grandchildren: Allie, Emily, Rebecca and Travis Jr., Karma, Justice, Zandra, Emily P. Aiden, Peyton, Wyatt. Nieces and nephews: Melissa, Stephanie, Sarah, Christopher, Becky Jimmy, Audie (Michelle), Kevin (Gladys), great niece Lainey, and great nephew Landon. Dixie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles G. Parks Sr., and her daughter Stacy Burley. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.