Syracuse Sun

Francis McMillan Parks, a prominent figure in the Syracuse University community and former director of Students Offering Service (SOS) and African American Programs at Hendricks Chapel, passed away on January 12 at the age of 87. Her contributions to the university and her role as a community storyteller are fondly remembered.

Parks was raised in Odessa, Texas, and pursued higher education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology. It was during this time that she met her husband, retired Col. Donald R. Parks. Following their marriage, they traveled extensively due to Donald's military career before settling in Syracuse in 1981 for his doctoral studies.

At Syracuse University, Francis became deeply involved as an instructor and advisor. She started with the English Language Institute before transitioning to an academic advisor role at University College. In 1992, she took on leadership roles as director of SOS and African American programs at Hendricks Chapel.

Throughout her tenure, Parks initiated various programs aimed at social justice and community engagement. These included blanket drives, summer chess camps for children from inner-city areas, Habitat for Humanity projects, International Young Scholars initiatives, CROP Walks for Hunger, environmental clean-ups through green-ups and clean-ups events, Libba’s Place Coffeehouse gatherings, the Sojourner Storytelling Conference annually held event; as well as holiday basket drives.

Parks was instrumental in organizing the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Syracuse University while keeping social consciousness central to activities within Hendricks Chapel.

Rachael Gazdick from New York Edge recalled meeting Parks 35 years ago when Gazdick served under her direction: “Francis Parks taught all of us how to live passionately...and recognize that we are honoring each other’s humanity,” she said about Park's influence over nearly two decades challenging injustices globally.

“Mrs. Parks knew what it took to create a more just society," Gazdick added emphasizing Park's ability calling others toward using their gifts addressing pressing issues worldwide.

Upon retiring from Syracuse University in 2007—becoming later recognized by Mount Holyoke College as Francis Perkins Scholar—Parks continued learning living amongst students engaging research projects remarking during SU News interview "one is continuous learner."

Brian Konkol vice president dean Hendricks Chapel stated “Francis embodied spirit soul…thankful kindness wisdom strength," reflecting enduring impact across campus beyond extending gratitude contributions made lifetime presence felt among those knew worked alongside her there too cherished family members friends surviving today include daughters Stephanie Ellen Suzan-Lori son Donald Jr., grandson Durham Xavier larger circle acquaintances supporters alike continuing legacy shared love life-long pursuit knowledge unity cause greater good common purpose betterment society whole

Funeral services arranged February twenty-second All Saints Church Lancaster Avenue followed celebration October within beloved chapel space itself honoring memory commitment service dedication fellow human beings call action remembrance support student opportunities fund donations welcome commemorate life lived fullest potential possible ways imaginable inspiring future generations come follow footsteps left behind footsteps walked confidently gracefully humbly dignity pride respect admiration esteem held high regard everyone fortunate enough cross paths way journey undertaken successfully accomplished wholeheartedly enthusiastically without reservation hesitation fear doubt reluctance whatsoever until very end indeed truly remarkable extraordinary exceptional exemplary model excellence paragon virtue beacon hope light guide lead show path forward unknown territories uncharted waters awaiting exploration discovery fulfillment realization dreams aspirations ambitions goals objectives 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