Sheila Darlene Parks, 66, entered eternal rest on January 12, 2026, in Statesville, N.C., the city where she was born and spent her life giving so much to others. Born on March 8, 1959, Sheila’s journey was marked by unwavering compassion, fierce determination, and a boundless capacity for love.
Sheila was a selfless giver and an empathic caretaker whose strength and resilience inspired all who knew her. Her spitfire personality lit up every room she entered, while her kind heart made everyone feel seen and valued. Whether offering a helping hand or simply lending an ear, Sheila had a rare gift for making people feel cared for. She lived her life with purpose and generosity, always putting the needs of others before her own.
Sheila’s legacy is carried forward by her loving family. She leaves behind her brother Curtis Martin and five children, Angela Torrence (Torey), Willie J. Parks Jr. (Jackie), Edna Parks, Brandon Groce (Mikayle), and Joshua Groce. Her memory will also be cherished by her many grandchildren, Kaliyah Martin, TJ Torrence, Jessica Parks; Vince Booe (Nicole), Rashida Parks (Jerel), Rashad Booe, Tasheika Pauling (Corbin), Brittany Atwater (Lamont), Justin Shuford, Cameron Shuford (Jennifer), Damian Surrat, Willie J. Parks III, Jaquis Parks, Elliott Groce, and Kaylani-Alese Groce. Sheila was also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren.
Her extended family includes nieces Amanda Martin, Misty McClain (Bobby), and Nicole Harrison (Gerald); nephews Lee Spiva (Lisa) and Andrew Spiva; as well as a cherished loved one, Lonnie Waugh. Sheila also embraced chosen family Kent Brady (Felicia), Samantha Groce, Kathy Groce (Dotty), David Groce, and Scott Groce with open arms and an open heart.
Sheila was preceded in death by the love of her life, Willie James Parks; two beloved sons, James Dean Harrelson and Joshua Harrelson; her parents, Dora J. Martin and William D. Martin; and her sister-in-law Karen Martin. Though their absence was deeply felt throughout her life, Sheila honored their memories through the love she continued to give to those around her.
Among those who held a special place in Sheila’s heart is LaKisha Craven, daughter-in-law formerly married to her late son James Harrelson.
Known affectionately as a “road warrior,” Sheila approached life with tireless energy-always moving forward with courage and conviction. Her strength of spirit never wavered even in the face of hardship. She gave freely of herself without expectation or hesitation-a true testament to the depth of her character.
Sheila will be remembered not only for what she did but for how she made people feel-loved, supported, and uplifted. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through acts both big and small.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her-and may we all strive to carry forward the light she so generously shared with the world.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Cavin-cook Funeral Home, Mooresville.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home is proudly serving the Parks family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.