Justine Holmes Parish

JUSTINE HOLMES PARISH, 84, of Houston, passed away at home on May 22, 2009. Justine was born in Minden, Louisiana, on August 4, 1924, to Kathryn Ruth Davidson Holmes of Vidalia, Louisiana, and Justin White Holmes of Jena, Louisiana. Justine grew up in Shreveport where she graduated from Byrd High School and attended Centenary College where she shared her beautiful voice as a soloist in the "Kollege Kapers" choral group. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in speech in 1947. On May 30, 1948, Justine married James Walter Parish of Huntington, Texas, a returning World War II veteran. After Jim's graduation from LSU in 1949, Jim and Justine lived in several Oklahoma and Texas towns during Jim's career as a chemical engineer with Mobil Oil Company, settling in Corpus Christi in 1960 where they raised their two sons before transferring with Mobil to Houston in 1976. Justine pursued her gift of artistic talent throughout her life; painting in oils and pastels. The walls of her home are beautifully decorated with portraits of her family which will be a permanent reminder of her love for those she portrayed. Justine remained active throughout her life as an alumni member of Zeta Tau Alpha, her college sorority. She was also an active member of the Flora Dora Garden Club as well as the Heritage Trails chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Justine was an active member of Champion Forest Baptist Church. Justine is survived by her husband of 61 years, James W. Parish; son, Jeffrey Holmes Parish and daughter-in-law, Mona; and son, James Dirk Parish. She is also survived by grandchildren Allison Layne Parish Craig and her husband Matt, Justin Fairless Parish, and Audrey Justine Parish. Justine's first great-grandchild is expected in October. Friends may visit with her family from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Klein Funeral Home, Champions. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Champion Forest Baptist Church with Dr. Stephen Trammell officiating. Friends may again visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday at the church. A graveside committal service will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Centuries Memorial Park in Shreveport, Lousiana.