Relief Society General President
2002–2007

Bonnie D. Parkin led more than five million Relief Society sisters in 165 nations across the earth. Filled with charity and a deep and abiding love for the women of the world, she wanted all women to feel the love of the Lord each day as they kept their covenants, exercised charity, and strengthened families. With a deep personal commitment, Sister Parkin focused on preparing and nurturing young women in the transition from youth to womanhood. Her desire was that in Relief Society, the Lord’s organization for women, sisters of all ages would find a place where they would feel at home and find a bond of trust, friendship, and support. Sister Parkin had a testimony of visiting teaching being the very heart and soul of Relief Society and saw this program as a measure of the heart, an unselfish work, and a sacred trust that blesses both the giver and the receiver. She encouraged women throughout the world to practice welfare principles as they built up and then shared their time and talents in their wards and stakes. As a covenant woman consecrated to the cause of Jesus Christ, Sister Parkin encouraged others to “choose that good part” daily by serving the Lord and others through acts of service and love (see Luke 10:42). She is the mother of four sons and the grandmother of many.