Martha Dawn was born to Argie and Jane Warner Luke on September 7, 1942, in Columbus, Mississippi. She was married to the love of her life, Lamar Parkes, on October 22, 1960, and remained a faithful wife for 65 years. Martha served Nanih Waiya school, first as a substitute teacher, and then for the next 23 years as the school secretary. Martha Dawn, affectionately called MD, Marta Dawn, or Martha, by her grands and great grands, supported her family and their many athletic endeavors. Some of their favorite memories involve her and trips to the Final Four.
Martha Dawn is survived by her children: Renee Parkes (Glen) Jones, Luke (Tammy) Parkes, and Dan (Kayla) Parkes all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was her 12 grandchildren: Amanda Stanton (Adam), Jaimee (Justin) Childs, Drew (Cheryl) Jones, Meredith (Jon) Cherry, Cody (Anzie) Parkes, Warner Parkes, Marlee (Will) Stewart, Morgan (Michael) Pace, Channing Parkes, Taylor (Tayler) Miller, Blaine Miller, and Montana Miller. Martha Dawn especially enjoyed her 17 great-grandchildren: Bryce Stanton, Eli Stanton, Cade Jones, Peyton Jones, Grayson Jones, Hunter Gustavsen, Patton Childs, Quintin Childs, Hanna Gustavsen, Anders Cherry, Chancey Parkes, Charlee Parkes, Parker Williamson, Allie Kate Williamson, Hayes Pace, Nash Pace, and Rory Pace. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Luke (Mike) Pierce and her brother, Johnny (Ann) Parkes; in addition to a host of loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Lamar Parkes; and her parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Drew Jones, Jon Cherry, Cody Parkes, Will Stewart, Taylor Miller, Michael Pace, Eli Stanton, and Bryce Stanton. Honorary pallbearers are the remaining grandsons. Memorials in honor of Martha Dawn may be given to Middleton Cemetery Fund, c/o Sandra Holdiness, 626 Middleton Road, Louisville, MS 39339.
