Bonnie D. Parkin
Early Life
Parkin was born in Murrary, Utah, and spent much of her young life in Herriman, Utah. When Bonnie was about 10 years old, her mother had an infection around the lining of her heart. Bonnie and her four siblings knew that Mother was very sick. The family lived a long distance from the hospital, and in those days children were not allowed to go into hospitals to visit patients, so when the children visited their mother, they stood outside the building so she could look out the window and see them. When the family returned home, Parkin's father gathered the children together and the group knelt and prayed. After being in the hospital for a month, Bonnie's mother got well. Bonnie learned that "our Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers." (Monica Weeks and Bonnie D. Parkin, "Friend to Friend: Working for Jesus," Friend, June 2004, 8)
Parkin was serving as a ward missionary and Laurel adviser in her home ward in Salt Lake City prior to receiving the call to direct the Church's women's service organization.
Sister Parkin earned a bachelor's degree from Utah State University and has served her family as a homemaker. Her previous Church service includes callings as second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, member of the Relief Society general board, ward Relief Society president, stake Young Women president, Young Women adviser and ward Primary president. She served with her husband, Dr. James L. Parkin, during his assignment as president of the England London South Mission. They are the parents of four sons and enjoy their 14 grandchildren.
Sources
- Press Release, "New General Authorities and General Relief Society Leaders Called", 6 April 2002
- Monica Weeks and Bonnie D. Parkin, "Friend to Friend: Working for Jesus," Friend, June 2004, page 8.
