Laura Ella Parks

Laura Ella Parks, age 81, resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1:00pm at Wayman Chapel AME Church, with visitation beginning at 12 noon. She will lie in state at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 2:00-4:00pm. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Laura was born April 13, 1944, in Columbia, TN to Lillian and Gordon Parks and was the eldest of six children. She was a graduate of Carver Smith High School class of 1962. She was a bible scholar and a faithful member of Wayman Chapel AME Church, until her health failed. Laura worked as a seamstress for many years at places such as Weather Tamer, Maury Manufacturing and Tams. After her career, she enjoyed passing time by knitting, crocheting, reading and baking. She had a love for flowers and plants of all kinds. Laura’s most prized enjoyment was helping take care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted mother to six children.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents Lillian and Gordon Parks; daughter, Tammy Parks; brother, Gordon Ellis Parks, Sr.; and sister, Jacqueline Hopkins.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Tina (Michael) Gaines of Mt. Pleasant, TN; son, Michael Parks of Columbia, TN; daughter, Salillian (Roger) Flippin of Gallatin, TN; daughter, Jameco (Kevin) Armstrong; and daughter, Elishaw (Dameon Sr.) Searcy of Columbia, TN; siblings: Rhetta Perkins of Murfreesboro, TN; Marjorie Toney and Bridgitte (Don) Dooley of Columbia, TN; grandchildren: QuaVonda (James), Korevina, Shavonna, Quincy, Kendra, Jasnek (Oliver), DeTristian, Dominique (Maleika), MiKyle, QuaDaisha (Matthew), Carnell (Nissa), Dameon Jr., Elajiah, Mika, Savion; great-grandchildren, Jayvien, Jaila, Kamerria, De’Cari, Zayden, Annie, Gordon, Lillianna, Za’Kaia, Zyier, Jamius, Kylen, Kamdyn; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.