Ruth (Cockeran) Parks

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Ruth Cockeran Parks peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 9th, 2025. We give thanks to God that surely goodness and mercy followed her all the days of her life, and that she now dwells in the house of the Lord forever.

Ruth was born on January 30, 1938, to the late Joseph and Sarah Cockeran. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Vance Becknell and Rev. Floyd Parks, and her beloved children: twins Jimmy and Christine Becknell, son Warren Shauntee Becknell, son Joseph Walter Becknell; five brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, April 14, 2025, at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Bishop George E. Morgan officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Parks Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughters, Billie Elaine Gilreath (Charles), Sarah Rose Becknell (Albert), April T Brown, and May Magdaline Martin, and her son, William Dean FanPatrick Becknell. Ruth is also survived by her special grandchildren, Sacajawea Cherjuan Martin (Howard) and Aidan Ward Hodge, whom she lovingly raised as her own—though she had a way of making all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel uniquely treasured. She is also survived by her devoted niece, Betty “Vipsey” Dulin (Gary). In addition, she leaves behind a host of cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins — all of whom will carry her memory with love and gratitude.

For the past 40 years, Ruth faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher at New Direction Ministries (formerly Wings of Healing), where she touched countless lives with her deep knowledge of the Bible and her compassionate spirit. Her dedication to teaching, her gentle wisdom, and her unwavering faith made her a beloved presence in her church community.

Ruth will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live on in the lives she touched. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will be forever treasured.

Flowers will be accepted.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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