Longtime Anderson Boulevard resident Lois JoAnn Parks closed her eyes and passed away peacefully while at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman at 11:27 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2017 following a lengthy illness. She was 83.

Lois was one of twelve children, born to the late Harry and Sara Mae Price Sheats on May 10, 1934 in Wood, Pennsylvania. She attended school there, and met her future husband, Allen “Dean” Parks at a Halloween parade when she was just 14 years old. They were married on August 27, 1953 and came to East Liverpool in the early 1960’s when Dean took a job with the former National Life Insurance Company.

To everyone who knew her, it seemed as though Lois was born to be a wife, mother and grandmother, and she poured her heart and soul into caring for others. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends, feeding the birds in her yard, and working in her flower and vegetable garden, but her greatest joy was found in her family.

In addition to Dean, she is survived by her five daughters: Barbara Thompson (Dennis) of East Liverpool; Sharon Parks of Strongsville; Teresa Ward (John) of Wellsville; Deana Goeldi (Rudi) of Akron; and Nicole Smith (Ron) of East Liverpool.

There are nine grandchildren: Kristina Cornell (Bill), Erin Hofherr (Mike), Jenna Sweitzer (Doug), Sara Stickler (Rebecca), Kristen Stickler, Danielle Stickler, Megan Rice (Zack), KyLee Smith and Cody Smith. Lois also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Olivia and Elyse Cornell, Luke and Andrew Hofherr and another baby expected in February, and Caleigh and Tatum Rice.

Lois is also survived by two sisters, Sara Kephart and Wanda Parnay. Preceding her in death were her five sisters and four brothers: Ruth Thomas, Helen Thomas, Velma “Bert” Johnstonbaugh, Evelyn “Peg” Moyer, Betty Boughter, Ed Sheats, William Sheats, Donald Sheats, and Wilcie “Butch” Sheats, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Thursday, where the family will be present from 5 to 8 p.m.

Lois’ neighbor, Pastor Norm Eckert of Beechwood Free Methodist Church, will officiate at a funeral service to be held at the funeral home on Friday at 2 p.m.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Family and friends will then gather at the Dawson Family Center for a continued time of fellowship.