Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Reverend Terry Lee Parks

Terry Lee Parks was born on September 11, 1947 in Huntsville, Alabama to Odessa Mae Stegar and the late Henderson Parks. Terry later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee with his mother and stepfather, Monroe Stegar.

While in Knoxville, Terry attended Green Elementary School, Vine Junior High School, and graduated from Catholic High School. He earned his B.S. degree in Psychology from Central Missouri State University. He was a member of KAPPA ALPHA PSI Fraternity Incorporated. Terry received his Masters of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), in Atlanta, GA.

In the early 1970's Terry was called to preach. He served as pastor of Saint John A.M.E. Church. As well as being an ordained minister, Terry was a loyal police officer for the Atlanta Police Department. During his tenture, Terry worked diligently as a community leader and mentor for our Atlanta youth until his injury in an automobile accident. After Terry's accident, he was still very active in the community, the church, and Shepherd Spinal Clinic ( a picture hangs in his honor). He counseled and ministered to patients with spinal cord injuries.

Terry has served as a member and associate minister at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church since 1988. He loved his church and his church family dearly. He was so humbled and blessed by the opprtunities that were given to him while at Saint Philip Church. Pastor Moore and the entire Saint Philip family were truly a blessing to Terry and he never took it for granted.

Terry is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Walter and Bertha Lee Battle Sr., Larkin and Susie Parks; aunts, Addie Harper and Lillie Weathersby; uncle, Walter Battle, Jr.; mother-in-law, Lillian Reid.

Terry leaves to honor his memory daughters, Tenecia Parks, Temaria Parks, Teveria Parks; son, Terron Parks; parents Monroe and Odessa Mae Stegar (Knoxville, TN); brother, Woodrow "Chuck" (Geraldine) Parks, Chattanooga, TN; sisters, Vivian Stegar (Atlanta, GA.); Anjel Carolyn (Dennis) Griffey, Knoxville, TN, and Teresa Greene (Atlanta, GA); granddaughter, Zora Parks; grandson, Emory Forbes; nieces & nephews, Temaya Thompkins, densha, LaNessa, and Crystal Griffey, Terese and Justin Greene, Reginald and Shawn Parks; great niece & nephew Imani Griffey and Jordan Parks; devoted ex-wife and friend Marilyn Parks; devoted sister-in-law and caregver, Gwendolyn Reid; devoted friend and care giver, Jessie Ellis; and a host of more nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, sister-in-laws and friends.

Guest Book

I grew up in East Knoxville with Terry Lee, as we fondly called him during his youth. He and his family were neighbors and I watched as he excelled as an athlete at Knoxville Catholic High School. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves with us a gift of memories in exchange. When your heart is empty, filling it with those memories will help you find your smile. May the peace of GOD be with you and your family.

- Ella Faye Lewis