Mary Parrish Obituary, Death – Her name is Mary Parrish. Ruth Parrish, of Callahan, Florida, died at Warner Hospice Center in Fernandina Beach on November 13, 2023. She died at 89. On October 2, 1934, Alma, Georgia welcomed her. Her parents were Edward and Ida Belle Moore Simmons. Simmons was her maiden name. Mary lived in Jacksonville, Florida, until 1972, when she moved to Callahan. Since teenagerhood, she has been active with Callahan First Baptist Church. Her participation has always been enthusiastic.
Mary started her retail career at Akra Fashions in the Gateway Shopping Center in the US. She ran Akra till its closure. Mary retired 17 years later after working at May Cohens and Dilliard’s. Her love of people and fashion propelled her to the top of her field. Only her love of fashion matched Mary’s passion for sports. She loved all sports, but American football and basketball were her favorites.
Mary married at 16. Her basketball coach asked her mother and the school board to let her return to school and play following an injury. Thank goodness they were both blessed, and her husband’s blessing wasn’t needed! Mary’s ten siblings, parents, and husband of almost 68 years, Paul Parrish, died before her. The rest of her family died, leaving Mary alone.
Mary is survived by her children Brenda (David) Higginbotham, Paul “Gregory” Parrish, and Cindy (Cliff) White; grandchildren Caleb, Justin (Danae), Randi, Logan, Erika, Patrick, Tyler (Jessie), Cullen (Jaden), Joshua (Dakota), Charli, Brett; great-grandchildren DJ, Audrey, Emily, Cayden, Savannah, and Emma; and great Mary Family nieces and nephews include Kate, Sophia, and Sadie Lynn. The eulogy delivered aloud was written by Mary’s kind relatives.
