DURHAM: Helen Pate Parks, 87, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 in Asheville, NC. She was born and raised in the community of Gray’s Creek in Cumberland County, NC, the daughter of the late Gus L. Pate and the late Tessie T. Pate. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bennie L. Parks and her cherished sisters, Christine P. McLean and Susan P. Moreland. Helen was retired from Duke Medical Center where she worked as a technician supporting medical research. Helen and Bennie were active members of Watts Street Baptist Church for over 60 years. She is survived by her sons, Ben Parks Jr. (wife, Jacque) of Aiken, SC, Dr. Cecil Parks (wife, Lynn) of Knoxville, TN; daughters, Brenda Parks Silver (husband, Dr. Jon Silver) of Asheville and Geneva Parks Proctor of Durham; grandchildren, Dr. Joshua Parks (wife, Michelle), Nikki Tuft (husband, Andrew), Erin Stewart (husband, Joshua) Brandon Parks (wife, Lea), Jennifer Boland (husband, Drew), Lindsey Martin (husband, Jeff), Zack Silver, Dylan Proctor, Rachel Silver, Sophia Silver, Logan Proctor; and 10 great grandchildren. Bennie and Helen moved to Durham in 1952 shortly after starting a family and joined Watts Street Baptist Church. Helen was actively involved in the preschool ministry needs and later dedicated much of her time and talents to the Church Bazaar Monday Sewing group, which supported various ministries of the church. Helen was a gentle and caring woman, a supportive and devoted wife, and a nurturer to her family. She delighted in the growth of her family; the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought her great joy. Helen was always working with her hands – sewing, upholstery, growing house and garden plants, helping Bennie repair and refinish furniture – and she had an uncanny ability to “fix anything”. Her loving smile, her gentle spirit, and the gift of her love will be missed. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 25 at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham with Rev. Dorisanne Cooper and Rev. Diane Hill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Watts Street Baptist Church designated for the restoration of the church’s Good Shepherd window. .

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