Thelma Parks 1941-2025
T.A. (Thelma Ann) Parks, 84, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. When asked what “T.A.” stands for, she would kindly inform you that “it’s the best kept secret in Topeka.”
She was born March 28, 1941, in Beloit, the daughter of John and Neva (Giddings) Finley. T.A. graduated from high school at Beloit with the class of 1959. She then went to Topeka and graduated from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing in 1962. She met Raymond Parks soon after arriving in Topeka, and they were married in Beloit on May 26, 1963.
T.A. was a pediatric nurse at Pediatrics PA for Drs. Crouch and Parman. Later, she was a nurse for Dr. Fairchild with Cotton O’Neil. She finished her career at the Shawnee County Health Department, retiring in the early 2000s.
T.A. enjoyed gardening, quilting, feeding the wild birds in her yard, helping at church any way she could and family trips to Table Rock Lake. One of her greatest joys was following and attending her grandchildren’s school events, sports and 4-H activities. Her pride in her grandchildren ensured she was a staple of the crowd, gracing the bleachers of gymnasiums, auditoriums and arenas in Jackson County for the better part of two decades. Over the years she developed the reputation as “everyone’s Grandma T.A.” She was a member of the United Methodist Church at St. George and attended Second Presbyterian Church in Topeka.
T.A. is survived by her sons, Tim (Dyann) Parks of Holton and David (Debbie) Parks of Hoyt; grandchildren, Dylan (Nicole) Parks of Holton, Tristan (Ainsley) Parks of Whiting, Cailin Parks (Indie Allen) of New Strawn, Cassidy Parks of Derby and Tyson Parks of Hoyt; great-grandchildren, Kenna Parks, Lainey Parks of Holton and Adeline Allen of New Strawn; sister, Arlene Kay Spoo of Frankfort; and a cousin she grew up with and was close to, John (Linda) Stewart of Allentown, Pa.; as well as many nieces, nephews and other cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond E. Parks, on Sept. 27, 2018; and her parents.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 at Parker-Price and Davidson Cremations and Funerals. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 at Second Presbyterian Church in North Topeka. Graveside services and interment will follow at Westmoreland Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka North Outreach backpack program through Second Presbyterian Church.
(PAID OBITUARY)
