Sylvia D. 'Donnie' Parks

Sylvia Donnabell Parks (lovingly referred to as Aunt Donnie) entered eternal life on Wednesday, at home, surrounded by loved ones and room full of flowers at the age of 92. She is preceded in death, by her brothers Russell and Larry Penrod, her sisters Eloise Fisher, Mary (Maxine) Davis, and Carolyn Farmer. Her vibrant spirit is carried on by her brother Jack, 4 Nephews, 15 Nieces, 11 Great Nephews, 16, Great Nieces, 19 Great-Great Nephews, 14 Great-Great Nieces, and additional extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. Donnie is now reunited with her loving husband and favorite fishing, gardening, farming, and card playing partner, Willis (Raymond) Parks. Donnie was born in Morocco, Indiana August, 27, 1922 to Cody B and Laura Lillian Russell Penrod. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1942. She was baptized in Mud Creek, near Clayton, IN and was a member of Clayton Baptist Church. Donnie married Raymond August 21, 1942. They were married for 57 years, before his death on May 19, 2000. During the war, she worked at P.R. Mallory, Western Electric, U.S. Rubber and R.C.A. For years they resided in a farm house out west of Indianapolis on U.S. 40, until they moved to the South Side of Indianapolis in the early 70's. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are affected by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. She believed in thank-you notes and birthday checks, in reusing what you could and saving what you couldn't. She hung her walls with faded family photographs, pictures and figures of animals, and homemade crafts made by loved ones. She loved her family with a fierce but quiet love. She was scatterbrained and funny, exasperating and lovable. Her presence made life easier for everyone around her. Donnie had a long, full life, and is our angel that lived, laughed and loved. Visitation for Donnie will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 10am-12pm at Flanner and Buchanan- Speedway with funeral services immediately following. Burial will take place in Clayton Cemetery in Clayton, IN. Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com.