Grace Parrish

Jewel Grace Parrish was born on November 7, 1928, the youngest of seven children of George and Hattie Allen. As the baby of the family, she was cherished and deeply loved by her parents and siblings.

After settling in East Texas, Grace’s family made their home in Tyler. During college, she met a returning Marine veteran, B.A. Parrish Jr., and they married in 1948. While B.A. was still serving in the Marines, their first child, Michael, was born in 1951 at Camp Pendleton. Just three weeks later, the young family moved to Quantico Base in Virginia. In 1953, they welcomed their daughter, Marsha.

Following B.A.'s resignation from the Marine Corps, the family settled in East Texas, where he pursued a career in business while Grace worked toward her goal of becoming an English teacher. She spent several years teaching at Mineola High School before the family relocated to Dallas in 1963. There, Grace earned her master’s degree and went on to teach for many years at Highland Park. After retiring, she and B.A. returned to Mineola in 1988, where they enjoyed their later years together.

Grace endured the loss of her beloved husband, B.A., in August 2008 and her dear daughter, Marsha, in September 2017.

She is survived by her son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Anne; granddaughter, Lauren January; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Aubrey Grace. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Grant Smith, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, all of whom she dearly loved. In particular, the steadfast support of cousins Karen and Schuyler was a touching testament to the deep connections she fostered throughout her life.

Grace lived with the dignity and kindness that so perfectly reflected her name. She held a special place in her heart for her dear companions—Sandie, Susie, Grant, Ginger, Hubert, and Claudia—as well as the members of the First Baptist Church and her many friends from PEO.

Her grace, wisdom, and unwavering love for those around her will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Chapter CU PEO, Ruth Lott Scholarship, C/O Patti Corbett, Treasurer,

145 Pat Drive, Mineola, TX 75773

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