JILL MARIE (JEWELL) PARKS

Jill Marie Parks was a true original, equal parts nurturing and mischievous, with a sparkle in her eye and bubbles always at the ready.  Born on September 19, 1957, she was 67 years old when she departed our world on April 10, 2025.  Married for 51 years to the love of her life, Jacob Parks, she was the heart of her family and a devoted mother, grandmother, dog mom, sister and friend.  A self-proclaimed “squirrel whisperer”, Jill somehow managed to convince the neighborhood wildlife she was one of them.  She found magic in life’s simplest pleasures; birdwatching in her back yard, painting with a quiet focus, sewing with love or celebrating Halloween with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store.  Her wit was quick, her hugs genuine and her love for her family boundless.  Whether she was camouflaged in the woods for a hunting trip or cracking inside jokes with someone she loved, Jill lived fully, laughed often and loved deeply.  She served her community through her work in Kentucky’s social work department, but her greatest legacy is the joy and warmth she shared with everyone lucky enough to know her.

Jill is survived by her loving husband Jacob M. Parks of Mt. Sterling;  2 daughters Terrie (Eric) Tegtmeier of Richmond, KY, and Corey Rankin of Lexington, KY;  3 grandchildren Willard Austin Rankin, Conner Jacob Reed, Shelby Lynn Reed and 1 great grandchild Waylon Rankin;  her stepmother Betty J. Jewell of Monroe, Michigan;  4 sisters Judy Jewell of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Janice Shirk of Quincy, Michigan, Joan (John) Beaton of Carleton, Michigan, Jean Jewell of Monroe, Michigan;  5 brothers Harold (Deb) Jewell of Coldwater, Michigan, Dale Shirk of Quincy, Michigan, Jack Jewell of Adrian, Michigan, Dennis (Tammy) Jewell of Lebanon, TN, and David Jewell of Monroe, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents Carolyn J. Shirk, Terry E. Shirk and Daniel H. Jewell; and one brother Ralph Jewell.

A Celebration Of Life will be held September 19, 2025. Location and Time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please donate you your local "Shop With A Cop" in her memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals, 1002 Woodford Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353