Obituary of Tricia Parks-Whitfield

Tricia Rena Parks was born in Port Smith, Virginia on September 29, 1956. She was one of four children a daughter born from the union of Leroy Parks and Ruth (Olsen) Parks. Tricia was very career oriented. She enlisted in the United States Army and served her country honorably from 1981 until 2001. Tricia proudly worked as a combat field medic, obtaining the rank of staff sergeant. She enjoyed serving others as a Licensed Practical Nurse while in the service, and Tricia was particularly fond of the traveling that military life afforded her. She attended Saginaw Valley State University as a graphic design major, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Tricia loved to dabble with art. She was a talented painter and drawer. She enjoyed creating pottery and jewelry. Tricia was also fascinated with journalism and photography, appreciating the beauty in black and white stills the most. Tricia more than anything cherished her family. She was accepting of others and their differences. She was known to be open-minded, non-judgmental and loving. In her free time she participated with the Islanders Theatre Group in Grosse Ile as a member of the make-up department. Tricia enjoyed military social functions, reading novels, and watching movies. Tricia Rena (Parks) Whitfield age 58 of Newport passed away at the University of Michigan Medical Center on Tuesday, Dec ember 23, 2014. Her passing was preceded by a brother: Carl Parks. To cherish her memory, Tricia leaves a beloved daughter: Katrina (Michael) Jennings of Newport; her parents: Leroy and Ruth Parks of Alabama; two grandchildren: Michael and Alexander Jennings of Newport; two sisters: Larah M. (Steven) Henderson of Ypsilanti and Kendra (Kyle) Alexander of Saginaw; a sister-in-law: Peggy Parks; a niece and several nephews; and her furry feline companion: Milo the cat. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Military honors will be held at 6:00pm under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. A Celebration of Her Life will follow with Reverend Timothy Ioconageli, Associate Pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; selecting the Online Tribute page.