Ruth Atkins Parrish Durham, North Carolina Obituary

Ruth Atkins Parrish

DURHAM: Ruth Atkins Parrish, 99, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017 at her home. She was born January 1, 1918 in Durham, the daughter of the late Jodie Haynes and the late Eva Latta Atkins. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Lee Parrish; siblings, Myra Shepherd, Aubrey, Mildred Burgess, Joe, Ralph, John, Hazel Thomasson and son-in-law, Preston Byrd. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Faye Atkins Perry; daughters, Linda Hall (Tom), Nancy Byrd, Ellen Sears (Gary); grandchildren, Wendy Gay (Warren), Dale Byrd (Linda), David Hall, Ashley Williford (Ashley), Nicole Rogers (Andrew); and ten great-grandchildren. She graduated from Hope Valley High School and retired as a teacher assistant from Parkwood Elementary School. She was a prior active member of Berea Baptist Church and charter member of Hope Valley Baptist Church. Those who knew her will testify she had a deep, abiding faith in God’s Son, Jesus. She lived her faith daily. She and her family would like to thank her extended family, church family, friends, and the care givers from Duke HomeCare and Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 18th at Hope Valley Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Bigger officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 to 1:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hope Valley Baptist Church, Capital Campaign Fund, 6900 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC 27707 or Duke HomeCare & Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Dr, Ste. 101, Durham, NC 27704.
January 1, 1918 - January 15, 201701/01/191801/15/2017
Share Obituary:
Ruth Atkins Parrish
Ruth Atkins Parrish
Tribute WallObituary & Events
Share a memoryPlant a tree

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Ruth

An environmentally friendly option
Plant a tree
P
Pat Painter
January 26, 2017
When I saw Ruth's obituary in the paper this morning, my first reaction was shock, as I've known her over 60 years, but never considered her old. She had such a youthful, vivacious personality it was hard for me to realize she was 99 years old. She and Jesse were friends... Continue Reading
Comment
G
Ginger Sears
January 26, 2017
I can't remember a time when Ruth wasn't smiling. And she always welcomed you with open arms and a great big hug. Her hugs were the best. Sending love and prayers to the family.
Comment
G
Guest
January 26, 2017
Ruth enjoyed a good long, long life. So many cannot say the same. She was especially, especially strong. Ps. 90:10
Comment
N
Nicole Rogers
January 26, 2017
I will forever hold you in my heart Mema. I miss you so much. I will hang on to every memory we had together and will always long for one more hug until we meet again.Love you always
Comment
K
Kathryn Booth Butler
January 26, 2017
Ruth was the quintessential wife, mother, grand and greatgrandmother, sister, neighbor, and friend. She was faithful, fun loving, and a delight to be around. She is the example of a life well lived. May we all be so blessed with so many healthy years. Our loss is Heaven'... Continue Reading
Comment
J
Jenny & Steve Scism
January 26, 2017
Our church family was continuely blessed as Dale shared stories of his beloved Mema. We only had the opportunity of meeting her once, however I recognized very quickly how special and loving she was. I pray that Sweet memories will comfort you during this time.
Comment
L
Lynn Daves
January 26, 2017
Praying for the family and sending our love with deepest sympathy. What a wonderful,loving and caring woman that made a difference in many lives that she touched. God bless each one in the days ahead.
Comment
R
Robin Council
January 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Comment
M
Melanie Andrews-Fulford
January 26, 2017
What a sweet and wonderful woman - loved by all who knew her. May God be with you all during this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers.
Comment
J
Janet Zurbach
January 26, 2017
Please accept my condolences and know that I am keeping all of you in my prayers.
1 comment
Comment
Eldra Tatuem
January 30, 2019
She was a special person!