Susan Smith Parks

Susan Smith Parks passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born in Urbana, Illinois, on September 3, 1954, to the late Leonard Smith and the late Virginia Rau Smith.

Susan shared a loving marriage of nearly fifty years with her devoted husband, Ronald Parks, whom she married on July 17, 1976. She was an amazing mother to her two children, Bryan Parks (Nicole) and Michelle Toms (Jeremy), and the proud and loving grandmother of Madilyn Toms, Parker Toms, Isaac Toms, Hunter Toms, and James Parks. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished her role as “Mimi” above all else.

Susan’s greatest joys were her family and the friends who felt like family. She enjoyed traveling and shopping, especially for shoes, and her grandchildren quickly learned her affectionate phrase, “Mimi buy it.” She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother David Smith, and other relatives Hank (Pam), Laurie, Bobby, and Linda. She leaves behind her brother Ricky Smith (Martha), along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Susan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.