Barbara Park Obituary

Barbara Lee Park passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the age of 89. She was surrounded by her greatest earthly treasure, her family. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Ellie D. Lee and Blanche K. Lee; her siblings, Shirley Faye Lee and Deborah Lee; and her husband, Joe. She is survived by her three sons: Joey Park (Jackie) of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Eric Park of Columbia, S.C.; and Steve Park (Martha) of Fort Mill, S.C. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Stephanie Feith (Dave) of St. Augustine, Fla.; and her sister, Diane Roshto of Lexington, S.C.; her five grandchildren, Lauren, Elliot, Rachel, Haley, and Emily; and her great-granddaughter, Lillian. Barbara was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, always willing to put down what she might be working on to go on a walk, lend a listening ear, and spend quality time together. She had a special relationship with all of them and wanted to know what was going on in each of their lives. Barbara always said that making memories was the spice of life, and she created a space everyone wanted to be a part of. As Grandma, she made memorable moments at camping and sleepovers, the kiddie pool, and zoo camp. She used lemonade stands and the well-loved playhouse to teach the importance of family, deep friendships, and making time for one another. Her children and grandchildren would often get a handwritten note in the mail as a reminder of her love, commenting on memories, along with a few pictures of the events. It was a special blessing that Barbara and her sister Diane were able to both live in the Deepwood Estates community recently and had a chance to reconnect, create new memories together, and enjoy talking about the many memories from the past. Born on October 14, 1935, in Olanta, S.C., Barbara graduated from MUSC Charleston Nursing School. She held a number of jobs in the profession and became a lifelong caregiver. Barbara had heart, passion, and empathy for others and never stopped helping those in need. She and her late husband, Joe Park, made their home on Mirror Lake Road for over 50 years and served others together for 57 years. In addition to raising three boys of their own, Barbara and Joe were foster parents and were called "Mom" and "Dad" by many. They spent their lives together helping those who were overlooked or needed an extra hand. Barbara also led a life of service as an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, a home health nurse, a Mom, a Grandma (GaGa), a sister, and a friend to many. She had a heart for supporting and encouraging others, finding ways to do so through her grief share group, "Barbara's Bingo," the "Melting Pot," and through her strong advocacy for those with special needs. Barbara was a trailblazer and spent years helping pave the way for additional caregivers and homes in South Carolina for those with special needs. Barbara was known for standing up for those who might not have a voice otherwise and challenged those around her to do the same. She was not afraid to stand up to the system when she observed others not receiving adequate care. Barbara lived her last two and a half years of life at Deepwood Estates in Lexington, S.C., where she was an avid proponent of grief share, walked 4-5 miles daily, called Bingo twice weekly, and was an active recruiter for the community she had come to love. She and her lunch buddies created a quick bond and were known for mischief from time to time. It wasn't long after she moved in that she was quickly given the title "Ambassador of the Community." In the words of the Deepwoods manager, "Your Mom is an icon here; she cannot be replaced. She enjoyed great friendships here and was often seen traveling the halls looking to greet new residents and helping others in need." Proverbs 31:26 – She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 1 Peter 3:4 – Let your true beauty come from your inner personality, not a focus on the external. For lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is precious in God's sight and is much more important that the outward adornment of elaborate hair, jewelry, and fine clothes. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any memorial be made to: First Baptist Church (Special Needs Ministry) Attn: Karen Hall PO BOX 1000 Columbia, SC 29201 United Cerebral Palsy of SC (SC Day Program) 1101 Harbor Drive West Columbia, SC 29169