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Gertrude Parrish Obituary
It Was An Honor And A Privilege To Know Her
Gertrude Parrish, 89 year old resident of Hampstead, N. C., died November 5, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, N. C.
She would never consider herself a saint, but those who knew her and have been blessed by her genuine love, compassion and kindness, would say indeed she was a true saint of God. She lived everyday praying for others and putting God first in her life. She always took time to laugh. Whether it was dressing up in a costume or rolling someone with a rolling pin after eating too much of her good cookin', she always had a sense of humor. She celebrated life in every way.
She touched many children's lives with her love and cared for them in her Colwell Day Nursery, that was her passion for 23 years. It was their home away from home, and they were treated like one of her own.
Her husband, Vernon Parrish and her son, Levi Parrish, precede her in death.
She is survived by her son, Bruce Parrish and his wife, Lee Ann Parrish of Sacramento, CA; her daughter, Rachel Gaines and her husband George of Hampstead, N. C.; four grandchildren, Amanda Hassell, Kevin Cook, Andrew Parrish and his wife Carrie, Terri Winter and her husband Jeff; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Erika Winter, four brothers and two sisters and many well loved nieces and nephews.
A very special friend, Mr. Norman Weiss, was very dear to her along with countless other friends.
She was a proud member of the First Wesleyan Church since 1942, where she held many positions and was a faithful servant.
Pallbearers are nephews: Graylin Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Steve Dixon, Kenneth McLamb, Sammy McLamb, J.D. Register.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, Nov. 9th at the Oleander Chapel of Coble Ward Smith Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Seagate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to First Wesleyan Church, 336 Brenda Drive, Wilmington, N. C., 28409, the American Cancer Society of Pender County Relay for Life, c/o Hampstead Barber Shop Team, 314 Hughes Road, Hampstead, N.C., 28443.Tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.MeM.com
A service of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Oleander Chapel 791-4444.
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Kim Graham
November 23, 2008
I barely remember Ms. Parrish, but I know she cared for me when I was 2 or 3 years old. I have a picture of a birthday cake she made for me, I guess when I was turning 3 years old. My mom and dad , Gail & Wayne Graham, thought the ABSOLUTE world of her. I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you & your family.
Jenny Stephens
November 10, 2008
Mrs. Parrish was a joy to know and meant alot to us while we were at the First Wesleyan Church. She will never be forgotten. We loved her daughter and family very much also. The family and Church family will be in our prayers.
Love to you all,
Brady, Jenny and Parker Stephens
Parkersburg,WV
John Walker
November 9, 2008
I was greatly saddened to learn about Mrs. Parrish's death. The entire Walker family has been so very close to her and her family for over 65 years, in fact going back to 1942 when we all started going to First Wesleyan Church about the same time. She was a Godly woman who taught all our children in Sunday School and youth groups, whom are now parents and grandparents and serving the Lord themselves.
The best way I know to pay tribute to her are words from the beloved song: "Thank you (Mrs. Parrish) for giving to the Lord - - - - we are so glad you gave."
We will meet you again someday.
Roger Fowler
November 9, 2008
Gertrude was a wonderful person who gave far more than she took in the exchages of life. She was very kind and gentle with us as children and adults. She was truly a very thoughtful person. I send my condolences and very best wishes to her surving family.
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Raymond Fowler
November 8, 2008
Reading Gertrude' s obituary was such a joy. It was right on the mark. She was indeed a joy to know and an inspiration to anyone that met her. To know Gertrude was to be in the sight of God. She was indeed an angle of God on earth. You knew she was a Chrsitian by the way she lived her life. She never had to tell you.. The Family of Willie and Genaria Fowler send their love and condolences We all loved Gertrude and will miss her. But we know we will see her again when we pass into the light . That is the promise of God's salvation.
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