Iris Leonard Parks

Iris Leonard Parks, 83, a native of Lexington, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, in the Harris Hospice Unit at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. She was lovingly known by her grandchildren and others as Mawmaw, and she was an avid sports fan, particularly of UNC Tar Heels sports.   She was born Sept. 23, 1925, to Willie E. and Hattie Sink Leonard. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1941 and graduated from Catawba College with a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She received a teacher’s certificate and taught one year at Welcome High School in Davidson County.   On June 12, 1948, she married Dolan Parks, a native of Davidson County, who preceded her in death Feb. 2, 2009. Surviving are two sons, William M. Parks and wife, Debbie of Weddington, Keith D. Parks and wife, Jane of Matthews; one daughter, Donna Iris Parks Wheeler and husband, Vince of Trinity; three grandchildren, Jonathan Parks of Weddington, Erin Wheeler Whitaker and husband, Justin of High Point, and Carson Wheeler of Trinity; two step grandsons, Daniel Ferguson of Charlotte and Brett Howie of Matthews; two sisters, Martha L. Young and husband, Melvin of Lexington and Rebecca L. Walser of Piedmont, S.C.; two sisters in law, Val Jean Parks of Charlotte and Maxine King and husband, John of Lexington.   A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 27, 2009) at Beck’s Reformed Church, 2845 Beck’s Church Road, Lexington NC 27292 with Rev. Gerald M. Sanders officiating. The family will receive friends at the fellowship hall from 10:00 until 11:00 AM Wednesday.   The family asks that in lieu of flowers you give your loved ones a hug.