Josephine "Jo" Alice Parks

Josephine “Jo” Alice Parks, 75, passed away on April 25, 2022, at Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene, Texas.

Jo was born on January 25, 1947, in Tom Green County to John B. and Floryne (Preslar) Evans.  She was a graduate of Robert Lee High School in Robert Lee, Texas.  Jo was a former resident of Ballinger, Texas for over 25 years where she raised and provided for her two children.  She worked as the secretary for the First United Methodist Church; a clerk at Mode O’ Day; and secretary and sales representative for Telephone Industries, Electrospace, and Alpha Equipment Company.  She later moved to Abilene, Texas and obtained her real estate license, and finally retired from Tommy Simons Realty approximately two years ago.  No matter what job or position Jo was given, she always worked her way to the top.

She is preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children John B. Parks, an infant daughter Jackie Flo Parks, and her two brothers John Bill Evans and Maxey “Max” Evans.

Jo is survived by her son Jay Parks and her daughter Janna Perez and husband Eric.  She is also survived by her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mama Jo” or “JoJo”; Brandon Vasquez and fiancé Hannah Pobol-Duncan; Jordon Vasquez and fiancé Sarah Garcia; Jayse Vasquez; Eric Perez, Jr, JT Partin, Zoe Gilhome; and great-grandson Johnny Alexander Vasquez.  She also leaves behind her brother Bob Evans & wife Bev; sisters Bonnie Shackelford and Sue McBeth and husband Bobby; sisters-in-law Karen Evans and Norma Evans; many cherished nieces and nephews; former husband and close friend Jimmy Partin III and his two children; life-long friend Clydelle Selby; and many close friends.

She loved to dance and laugh but most of all she loved a good joke and could beat you to the punch line if you were telling one to her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lighthouse for the Blind or a favorite charity in Jo’s honor.