Maxine (Mrs. RJ) Parks

Marion- Maxine Ray Parks, 90, died at 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2002 at home in the company of those who love her. She was born August 16, 1912 near New Haven, IL one of nine children born to Leonard & Dora (Mobley) Ray. When she was a child, her father Leonard, a veterinarian, was killed in a farming accident and the family moved to Metropolis. During WWII, Maxine moved to St. Louis, MO and worked at the small arms munitions plant where she met her husband RJ. They were married March 21, 1936 in Marion on a warm spring day in a ceremony officiated by his uncle, Doc Tanner. RJ and Maxine were married for 64 years and five days until his death on March 26, 2000 of lung cancer. After the death of RJ, Max was blessed to have truly loving caregivers. The family wishes to thank Beth, Donna, and Irene for all the wonderful ways they cared for her. Aunt Max, as she was known to many, lived in the same house for nearly 60 years, where she gave out laughter, hugs, good advice and wonderful home cooked foods. One of the fondest memories is of Aunt Max teaching all the babies to play ?Patty Cake?. Those who love her will miss her, but we take great comfort in the fact that RJ and Maxine are truly ?Together Forever?. SURVIVORS: Sister in law- Betty Ray- Metropolis Brother in law & sister in law- Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kesler- Marion Sister in law- Ruby Melvin- West Frankfort Brother in law & sister in law- Bill & Kaye Parks- West Frankfort Several nieces and nephews including- Jack & Jay Parks- Marion Her parents, husband, brothers; Monty, Maurice, Hollis, Tracy, and James, sisters; Bernita, Gayna, and Dorothy preceded her in death. The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. Rev. Vernell Clark will officiate. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.