MISS SALLY RETIRES
Over 43 years ago, a young mother began helping a teacher at Waynedale United Methodist Nursery School. Soon she was chosen to be the director of that school. At the end of this school year “Miss Sally” or Sally Parkinson will take her place among the other retired educators.
For all of those years she was the person introducing young children and their parents to teachers and the facilities of the school. She always had time to listen to the parents, but most importantly, she always had time to listen to the children. Although she was in her own family’s church, families from other churches, or no church at all, were equally welcomed. During her years at the helm, classes were added allowing more children the opportunity of a good beginning in the education system. Along with the classes for three and four year olds, a class for two year olds was started, as was the pre-K program now in its 27th year. At this time the school is serving approximately 130 children and employs a staff of eight.
Sally greatly admired Mrs. Hemphill who was the director of Crescent Avenue Nursery School for many years. A quote from Mrs. Hemphill would always come up when the staff would talk about methods of discipline. Miss Sally would remind them, “There should be no crucifixion without a resurrection.”
This article would not be complete without writing about Sally’s late husband, Scott. Scott and Sally worked as a team. If something needed fixing or repairing at school, he was there to do what he could. This extended into running last minute errands before school programs, handing out programs, and anything else needed. With his sudden death several years ago, the entire staff was affected. Sally revels in her immediate family: son Sam and wife Debbie, daughter Sarah and her husband Mike Baker, plus six grandchildren. All six grandchildren were, at one time or another, students in Grandma Sally’s preschool. Sally was always the first to insist any member or her staff complaining of an ache or pain get immediate medical attention, but she was famous for not following her own advice.
Since Sally herself has adamantly stated she wants no public recognition of her retirement, and we honor her wishes. However, for those of you who wish to do something for her, you can keep her and her family in your prayers as son Sam goes through his remaining cancer treatments. Sally Parkinson has touched many lives and we at Waynedale United Methodist Church and the Preschool want to honor her with a “Memory Book.” We need your help and ask anyone that knows Sally or knew Scott, if you would share your stories, pictures, or send cards, prayers, poems and letters, to the church at 2501 Church Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46809. We need these items by April 20.
May God continue His blessing on you Sally as you enter this new chapter of your life.
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