Sarah Frances Parks

Our sweet "Nana", Sarah Frances Wingard Parks, 84, born August 2, 1938, received her heavenly reward on August, 8, 2022. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Tom Bob and Romie Ethel Mae Wingard of Troy, Alabama. Her parents divorced when she was an infant, her mother died when she was 8, so she became an orphan and lived in numerous orphanages in Georgia and Florida. While being transported to a new orphanage, Esther "Granny" Anderson met the orphanage bus and was to keep Frances just for the night. Granny ended up raising Frances as her own, until sending her to Apostolic Christian School in Tulsa, OK. Frances worked at the local Kress' Five and Dime Store, where she met Don and they married on June 14, 1956, when she was just 17. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Donald Junior Parks; her son, Keith Parks; daughter and son-in-law, Regina and Mat Seelinger; grandchildren: Mason (AnnMarie), Payton (Chelsea) and Carson (Hope) Seelinger, Nik, Lacye, Weston and Colten Parks; great grandchildren: Palmer, Livian, Josie Claire, Greer, Winnie, Eloise, Jett, Grady and Penny Seelinger and a new arrival in February; sister, Danice Mimms; sister-in-law, Betty Archer; brothers: Cameron, Raymond and Joe (Angie) Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twelve-year-old daughter, LaDonna Kaye Parks; her parents; her bonus mom; Esther "Granny" Anderson; brothers-in-law, Claude Archer and Roy Mimms; sister-in-law, Sandra Anderson; and all other brothers and sisters of the Wingard family. 

In 1970, while living in Haskell, OK, a tornado took everything that Don and Frances owned. They moved to Little Rock to build the first Western Sizzlin Steak House west of the Mississippi River. In Central Arkansas, they owned and operated five restaurants, some of which were the highest volume in the Western Sizzlin franchise during the 70's, 80's and 90's. They employed thousands during those years, giving many their first job and teaching them great work ethics. 

Nana faithfully attended New Life Church. Being an example of the life of Jesus Christ, attending and serving at her church was extremely important to her. She was a true follower of Jesus Christ and a Proverbs 31 woman. Don and Frances were hard workers, but were confident they were successful in business because the Lord had greatly blessed them. They had a desire to humbly give above and beyond to build many church buildings, orphanages and other church related projects through the years in numerous states and countries, never wanting recognition.

Nana was the one that held the family together. She was our super Nana! Her actions and sacrifices radiated her love for her family. Nana was a fantastic cook and could feed a crowd like no other. Everything she cooked was delicious! She was a great host, and made it known that everyone was always welcome in their home and she made sure to never let anyone leave hungry. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved to spend time with them at Lake Ouachita on the houseboat, swimming in the backyard pool, traveling around to their sporting activities or other events.  

Visitation is 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, followed by a 4:00 PM Funeral. Interment will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, August 15, 2022 in Haskell Cemetery, Haskell, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.