It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Lafarris Hurst Parks, on March 31, 2024, born on April 8, 1938, to the late Frances Chandler McDonald Gore. Her biological father was Farris Elmer Hurst.

Carol's life was a testament to strength, love, and resilience. Her passing on Easter will hold significance for her going to be with her Lord.

Carol was the beloved widow of Claude E Parks; an honored WWII veteran awarded a DSC medal. They shared a home in Wills Point, Texas. Carol was a devoted wife who cared for her husband in their home in his last years. Her life reflects strength and dedication. Her career included various secretarial roles, she retired from the State of Texas Department of Human Services with CPS. Carol's life was marked by a desire to help others in her work and in daily living. Carol had a "green thumb"; her family heritage of farming compelled her to share the many fruits of her garden with neighboring families or of any other need she was aware of. She enjoyed gardening, canning, art, classical music, crafts, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, and an extensive collection of birds. She was a gifted artist, enjoying watercolors, liquid embroidery, and creative pieces.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Carol's mother was Frances Chandler McDonald Gore, stepfather Odell Lee Gore, and infant son Frank Waters. Her brothers were Dwight Hurst and Rowland Hurst, her sister Lowetta Hurst Morgan. Carol's genealogy was rooted in Edgewood, Texas by her grandparents, Henry Lee McDonald and Frances Lillian Chandler McDonald who had a large farm in the late 1800's. Her aunt, Authula Oneta McDonald McLemore was very involved in the Edgewood Historical Society and co-authored a book of lineage in Edgewood, Texas.

Carol had five children. Four surviving children: Teresa Waters, David Russel Waters (wife Keever), Linda O. Gray (husband Joe), and Jennifer L. Johnston. Carol was also stepmother to Larry Parks.  Carol had seven grandchildren; Demarkus Gray (Nikki), Alexis Gray, Jeremy Gray (Krystal), Trevor Gray (Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force), Ryan Johnston (Ashley), Kevin Johnston (Harmonee), and Sarah Pyle; Fourteen great-grandchildren Dominic Gray, Jace Gray, Malaya Bayoone, India Gray, Latrista Brown, McKenzie Procella, Brayden Procella, Adelyn Procella, Wyatt Gray, Molli Johnston, Ryleigh Johnston, Alexis Brown, Christen Brown, Dylan Brown, Elizabeth Johnston, Emily Johnston, and Ryan Pyle. Carol is also survived by her brother John Hurst who is a U.S. Navy Veteran who resides in Canton, Texas.

Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Carol's memory at the Small Cemetery in Edgewood, Texas, where she will be laid to rest. Family and friends are welcome to express condolences and memories during the graveside service. Due to iclement weather we will not be having a graveside.

Funeral proceedings will be conducted with the utmost care and respect by Mullin-Fuller Funeral Home in Wills Point, Texas.

As we mourn the loss of Carol Lafarris Parks, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the positive impact she had on those around her. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Carol's name to Van Zandt County Children's Advocacy which remembers her work to provide and care for others. She bravely stepped in on behalf of many families in difficult times, this organization supports a cause close to her heart. Contact info director@cacvz.org or www.cacvz.org/planned-giving1.

Rest in Peace, dear Carol, your work is done. You will be dearly missed and forever remembered.