March 17, 2025, 79, Goldsboro —

She was born on November 23, 1946 in Gaston County to the late Grady Clifford Stiles and Dovie Marr Stiles. Marlene was a graduate of Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia and Free Will Bible college in Nashville, Tennessee.

Marlene’s dedication and love of teaching was evident as an elementary teacher at Faith Christian Academy in Goldsboro. She retired after 41 years in the class room. She was a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church for over 50 years. Her heart was big, and her love for the children she taught was immeasurable. She took great joy in seeing her students grow not only in knowledge but in their personal relationships with Jesus.

In addition to her parents, Marlene is preceded in death by her brothers, J.B. Stiles, Gene Stiles, and Harold Stiles.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 53 years, Alfred Parks; daughter, Marla Alyson Parks; and sisters, Inez Burchfield, Helen Grindle, Hazel DuPuis, and Glenda Winders, and husband, Mike. Marlene is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Marlene’s life will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in the sanctuary of Faith Church at 7 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Interment will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery

Flowers are welcomed, or memorials may be sent to Faith Christian Academy, 1200 W Grantham St, Goldsboro, NC 27530 in memory of Mrs. Parks.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com.