Dora Owens Parks

Dora Owens Parks, age 84 of Monroe, NC passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021 by natural causes. Dora was born to the late Walter & Mary Barnes on February 8, 1937 in Wilson, NC, where she graduated from South Edgecombe High School in 1955. She attended Campbell University and married her high school sweetheart, Wiley, on New Year’s Day in 1956. Dora and Wiley raised their 3 children in Monroe, NC where she was an involved member of First Baptist Church and the Junior Women’s Club. Her desire to serve and help others was evident in her career as well. Dora retired at age 82 from Christian Adoption Services of Matthews, NC, where she worked as an Adoption Caseworker and Foster Care Supervisor for 22 years. Prior to that she enjoyed working with students at Wingate University as Residence Director during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Over the years, Dora was also a high school history teacher for the Union County School District and worked in the Union County Clerk of Court office. Her interests included sewing, gardening, reading and playing cards. Dora is preceded in death by her husband, Wiley Lee Owens of Fountain, NC; and she was the last survivor of her 13 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children Michael Owens of Rogersville, TN, Cheryl (David) Williford of Fort Mill, SC and Paul (Holly) Owens of Charlotte, NC. Dora loved her 7 grandchildren - Brad, Ashley, John, Neil, April, Chelsea and Caroline, her 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 12:00 noon, on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in Gordon Funeral Chapel, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Adoption Services, 7884 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail, NC 28079 or Loaves and Fishes of Union County, 116 S. Church St, Monroe, NC 28112. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Owens Family.