State of Mississippi Judiciary

Sandra Parks, longtime champion of issues affecting children, died Nov. 10

November 11, 2020

Sandra Parks, a longtime champion of issues affecting children, died on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Mrs. Parks was a 24-year veteran of the Department of Mental Health. She was the Director of the Bureau of Certification and Quality Outcomes and had previously served as the Director of the Division of Children and Youth Services.

She was a member of the Commission on Children's Justice and served on the Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship.

Judge Thomas Broome, co-chair of the Commission on Children's Justice, said, "She has been a vital part of championing all children’s issues across the State."

Wendy D. Bailey, Administrative Services Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health, asked colleagues and friends to observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Bailey said, "Over the years, Sandra developed, implemented and expanded numerous mental health programs for Mississippians. As Director of the Division of Children and Youth Services, she was a leader in expanding quality mental health services and programs for children and their families across our state and was often recognized nationally for her efforts. There are not enough words to describe Sandra's passion for helping others."

Bailey said, "Just as she lived a life full of giving to others, in her passing, she gave the gift of life through organ donation."

Her family requests continued prayers for those receiving the gift of life through her donation," Bailey said.

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