Charlene (Williamson) Parks

Charlene Williamson Parks was born June 3, 1935, to Ted and Pauline Williamson in Fort Worth, Texas.   She died September 17th, 2023 at age 88 in Clifton, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Tom G. Parks.

She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth in 1953 and from Texas Tech in 1957 with a BA in Elementary Education.  At Tech, she was a member of Tri Delt Sorority and was active on campus. It was there she also met her beloved husband Tom; and they married July 6th, 1957, following graduation, and moved to Parks Ranch in Clifton.   Tom was drafted into the Army that Fall and they moved to Augusta, GA, for two years.  While there, Charlene taught first grade; and their first child was born, Tom G. Parks, Jr (Gil).

They returned to the ranch in December 1959, and had two more children, Teresa Anne (1961) and Roger Williamson (1965).

Charlene was active in her church, the kids’ school, and the community.

She had many friends, loved traveling, and volunteering; and times with her family were a special blessing.

After she lost her beloved Tom in 1990, she continued to travel, frequently with her sister-in-law Pat Sharp and special college friends known as “The Tech Bunch.”

In her 80’s, she connected with special friend (and Tom’s college roommate) Bobby Waddle.  They enjoyed traveling together, attending Tech functions, and spending weekends together.

She is survived by her sister Carolyn Bellah of Fort Worth & Special Friend Bobby Waddle of Desoto, her children Tom Jr. and wife Melissa of Clifton, Teresa and husband Ron Ingram of Midland, and son Roger of Clifton; grandchildren Cole Parks and wife Kaylee, LeeAnna Ward and husband Travis, Lauren Parks, Taylor Ingram and husband Chris Sawyer, Thomas Ingram, Jaclyn Martin and husband Jaryd, Matt Parks, and Jenna Parks; and 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Clifton, Goodall Witcher Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in Clifton.  Visitation with the family will be held 1 hour before the service at the church.