Mary Lou Parks, Who Served In Michigan House, Dies At 79

DETROIT (AP) - Former state Rep. Mary Lou Parks, who served six years in the Michigan House representing Detroit, has died. She was 79.

Swanson Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements, says Parks died Aug. 23 and details on cause of death weren't released.

Gov. Rick Snyder ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol complex to be lowered to half-staff Thursday in her honor. He says in a statement that Parks "spent much of her life working in public service and I thank her for her time spent serving the people of Detroit."

A funeral service is Thursday at at the east campus of Triumph Church in Detroit.

Parks served in the state House from 1993-1998. During her political career, the Democrat also worked as an aide to former Gov. James Blanchard.

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