Willie L. Parson

Willie Parson Obituary

BLYTHEWOOD - Dr. Willie L. Parson departed this life on January 5, 2012, after a valiant battle for his life against pancreatic cancer. He was born April 25, 1942 in Newellton, Louisiana to Fannie and Hense Parson who preceded him in death.

The Memorial Celebration of the Life of Dr. Willie L. Parson will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Allen University, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204 in the John Hurst Adams Gymnasium at 11:00 a.m. A repast will be held immediately afterwards in the Student Center at Allen University.

Dr. Parson received his early childhood education in a one room school house in rural Louisiana. He graduated in 1959 from Tensaw High School in Tensaw Parish, Louisiana. In 1962, he received an undergraduate degree in Bacteriology and Public Health from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. By 1973, he had gone on to earn a Master's degree and a Doctorate degree in Microbiology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

Dr. Parson was a member of the faculty at the Evergreen State College for 34 years. He taught at the main campus in Olympia, Washington for 13 years and he also served as an Academic Dean of the University during his time there. Later, he served extensively at the Tacoma Campus.

He was dedicated to helping college students develop strong conceptual frameworks in the natural sciences with primary emphasis in microbiology, and to engage students in the responsible conduct of scientific research through explicit systematic training. His combination of educational experience â€' as a professor, college administrator and research in the private sector â€' provided an excellent foundation for his professional work.

He took an active role in not only his academic pursuits, but community issues as well. He received many awards and accolades from the political and religious communities.

Dr. Parson was granted the status of Faculty Emeritus upon his retirement in 2005. He and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Columbia, South Carolina to their retirement home. He was not well-suited to the status of retired and he felt he had more to contribute to Academia. He sought a job at Allen University, a Historically Black University, which was founded by Richard Allen, who was also the founder of his religious denomination, African Methodism.

He was beloved by so many whose lives he touched. A testament to his life and work can be found on a web page set up by Nelson's Funeral Home of Ridgeway, South Carolina.

Dr. Parson's commitment to education was continued at Allen University. He was excited to establish a STEM program for high school students. He was a nurturing father figure to the students, both socially and academically. Later, he accepted a position at Allen as the Head of the Biology Department. At the time of his death, he was an Executive Vice President of Allen University. There was "work to be done". He gave his all to support the students and the President of Allen University, Dr. Pamela Wilson.

Dr. Parson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sylvia Sanders Parson, of Blythewood, South Carolina. He is also survived by 4 siblings, Eugene Parson, Dr. Hense Parson, Mary Parson and Diane Thibadeaux. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Hense and Fannie Parson and a brother Frederick Parson.

Mrs. Sylvia Parson would like to thank the Evergreen State College faculty and staff, the Allen University faculty and staff, and a very special thank you to Dr. Pamela Wilson, President and Mr. Gregory Wilson, Dr. William Robinson, Dr. James O'Leary and Dr. Babcock, formerly of South Carolina Oncology Associates.

And a very special thanks to Nurse Kim Eaker and the staff of the Hospice Program of Columbia, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Dr. Willie L. Parson Student Scholarship Fund. The students and the University were very near and dear to his heart. Contributions should be sent to: Allen University â€' Dr. Willie L. Parson Student Scholarship Fund, Dr. Pamela Wilson, President, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204-1085.

Services were entrusted to Nelson's Funeral in Ridgeway, South Carolina. www.nelsonsofridgeway.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jan. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Parson

9 Entries

Loretta Lillard

September 26, 2019

Im a friend of Sylvia and did not know of his passing. RIP Willie.

Dr. Joye Hardiman

February 2, 2012

Dr. Parson was the Dean that hired me to be a faculty member for The Evergreen State College. In fact he drove through a Buffalo snow storm to talk with my Mom and enlist her support for my moving to the Pacific Northwest. He became my friend while I was on the Olympia campus, my mentor and teaching partner when I became a faculty on the Tacoma Campus and my advisor (and co-director, a recognition I consistently gave him, a title he consistently ejected) when I became the campus' Executive Director.

I am proud to say that during our tenure, the college had an average retention and graduation rate of over 89% for ALL students. Under our leadership: 1428 students graduated between 1990 and 2007, 54% were Students of Color , 38.6% were African- Americans, 71.5% were Women, 65.4% were low income and 45.3% were First Generation College Students.

Dr. Parson's elegance, style, brilliance, commitment, fairness, integrity were inspirational. His legacy is immeasurable. We were blessed by his presence. We were gifted by his intellect. We will remember his generosity and warmth, his warrior ship and leadership . Ache.

Lee W

January 31, 2012

I would like to offer my condolences to your family. During this time of grief it is comforting to know that God will be for you "a refuge and strength"(Psalms 46:1). Praying for you,

Kevin Carrere

January 30, 2012

Dr. Parson was the greatest. He will truely be missed.
Kevin Leon Carrere

April Puryear (AKA: Carver)

January 30, 2012

Dr. Parsons was one of my professors at Evergreen. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He was truely one of a kind. May God be with his family at this time. April Puryear

BRIDGETTE mckie

January 30, 2012

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF DR.PARSON . MAY GOD BLESS HIS SOUL .....AND STRENGHTEN YOUR FAMILY IN THERE TIME OF NEED ....

Izetta Dillingham & Family

January 30, 2012

May God continue to strengthen his family at this time of mourning. He was an excellent teacher, mentor, and friend. He always encouraged me to continue to pursue my goals no matter the difficulties ahead. I can still hear him saying "Go Izetta, you can do it". My heart is troubled but I know to be absent from the body, is to be alive with Christ. Thank you Dr. Parson for the extra push.

Glenna Gibson

January 30, 2012

Dr. Parsons was one of my professors at Evergreen Tacoma. He would always push me farther than I rhought I could do. I so appreciated that he made me push myself. My thoughts and prayers are with the family

Laurie Arnold

January 29, 2012

Dr. Parson was my first faculty when I arrived at Evergreen in 1982 and we later worked as colleagues at Evergreen-Tacoma Campus until he retired. He made a tremendous impact in Tacoma and beyond (students at the Tacoma Campus traveled from at least 5 counties) on the lives of students. He taught science, research and much more and really was a father figure and mentor to literally thousands of students. He was a giant of a man and an outstanding human being. I am honored and blessed to have known him as a teacher, colleague and friend. Our hearts ache with his family over this loss. Rest in peace, Dr. Willie Parson.

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