- Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society general president, died at age 84.
- Parkin emphasized women's roles in family and initiated combined exercises for organizations.
SALT LAKE CITY — Bonnie D. Parkin, who served as general president of the Relief Society for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2002 to 2007, died on Monday at 84.
The church announced her death on Tuesday.
President Parkin taught about the responsibility of women to sustain and nurture families. She, along with the Young Women general president, initiated combined opening exercises for the organizations once a month.
She was the 14th president of the Relief Society organization. The two women who preceded her in the role, Mary Smoot and Elaine Jack, both died earlier this year.
During a general conference address in 2004, President Parkin said her membership in the Relief Society strengthened her commitment as a wife, mother and daughter of God.
"My heart has been enlarged with gospel understanding and with love of the Savior and what he's done for me. ... He is my Savior, my redeemer, and I'm ever grateful for his redeeming love and his obedience to our Heavenly Father," she said.
She was born in Murray and after graduating from Utah State University, she taught third grade in Bountiful.
She and her husband, James Parkin, who died in 2023, have four sons and 18 grandchildren. The Parkins served as mission leaders of the London South Mission from 1997 to 2000.
Before her calling as president of the Relief Society, she also served on the organization's general board and as second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency.
Family announced a viewing would be held Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parleys Stake Center, 1870 Parleys Canyon Boulevard, in Salt Lake City; followed by a funeral service Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. A viewing will also precede the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 9.
