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Roger Nathaniel Parris
1946 - 2014
Roger Nathaniel Parris
1946 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1946
DIED
2014
Roger Parris Obituary
Roger Nathaniel Parris, born in Christiana, Manchester, Jamaica on February 4, 1946, passed away on Wednesday morning, September 10, 2014 at the Illinois Veterans Home – LaSalle. Beloved husband of Kathleen (née Johnson); loving father to Robert (Amy) and Stephen; proud grandfather to Riley and Henry, brother to Joyce Parris-Mighty, supportive brother-in-law to a dozen siblings, an uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron & Esther Parris; sisters, Hyacinth Pierre-Antoine and Monica Parris.
In 1961, he emigrated from Jamaica to the United States to join his father, in Chicago. He attended Wendell Phillips High School in Bronzeville and spent his teenage years on the South Side of Chicago. In the mid 1960s, he made his choice to serve God and he enjoyed fellowship meetings and conventions throughout his life. Roger was always grateful for the missionaries that introduced him and his faithful mother to the Gospel of Christ in his home district in Jamaica.
Although he was not a U.S. Citizen at the time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and he served as a Medic in Vietnam from 1967-1969. He met Kathleen Johnson on a visit to Jamaica before reporting for duty and they corresponded during his service. They were married on October 4, 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica. They moved to Evanston, Illinois that fall and started a family the following year. They also lived in Miami, Skokie, and Highland Park, but Evanston was always the focus of his activities.
Roger began his real estate career with Gaskin Realtors in the early 1970s and he began to invest in real estate. He formed his own company Parris-Hall Realtors by 1974 and later owned and operated Manchester Realty, where he sold and managed real estate. He also developed residential and commercial projects in Evanston, Chicago, and Miami. Roger loved to mentor others with their real estate investments.
Roger & Kathy loved entertaining friends and family. They welcomed people from all over the world to stay in their home, even for extended periods of time. He was passionate about helping scores of immigrants start life in America. He was devoted to helping and encouraging his family, his wife's family, friends, and even those he didn't know very well.
In his later years Roger was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He was cared for at home by his wife and a large and supportive extended family, before moving to the Illinois Veterans Home in 2013. After a long goodbye, he peacefully passed away into eternity, surrounded by family.
Visitation: Sunday, September 21st, 3PM-7PM
Funeral Service: Monday, September 22nd, 11AM
Weinstein Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd. at Old Glenview Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091.
Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL.
Additional details may be found at www.RogerParris.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Connections for the Homeless www.cfthinc.org or Evanston Community Foundation – Realtors Fund www.evanstonforever.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
patrick warner
October 9, 2015
All the best
Jerry & Dixie Stitt
October 2, 2014
Dear Kathy, Steve, Bobby, Amy & Boys - Our thoughts and loving care continue to go your way as we think of Roger being in a better place and all good memories of a life well lived will begin to comfort you with peace and joy.
Glen, Claudia, Aidan, Nadia, & Aaron Timmann
October 2, 2014
Dear Aunt Kathy, Aunt Joyce, Bobby, and Stevie, I have so many fond memories of Uncle Roger over the years. I enjoyed many a time spent in your home and will never forget the helping hand that was so graciously extended. We send condolences and our deepest sympathy during this sad time of loss.
Ken Parris
September 30, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, Steve, Joyce and all of the extended Parris family, my deepest condolences.
I first met my 2nd cousin Roger in the mid 60`s I was a young boy, and never had I been to Chicago before.
He to was young but none the less very proud to take me around town. On that very memorable day My Uncle Aaron suggested that Cousin Roger take me for Ice Cream. Well I can`t remember where we got it, however cousin Roger decided to take me on the scenic tour back home. Needless to say on that very hot day we both had forgotten about the Bucket of Ice cream we had just bought.
Upon returning home and discovering that the Ice cream had turned to soup, my Uncle Aaron was not impressed at all with my cousin Roger...from then on I knew how proud Roger must have been to show me, his little cousin from Canada around his town and forget about our Ice Cream...
May his Spirit live on through all of you.
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Anne Pengelly
September 26, 2014
A mighty warrior is gone ahead, may his soul find restful peace until that great day when we will all be united around Gods' throne.
Patricia Bishop
September 23, 2014
Condolences to the Parris Family . God be with you !
lillie sprawls
September 22, 2014
to joyce mighty and family our thoughts and prayers are with you sprawls family
Adolphus Hall
September 22, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, Steve, Joyce and all of the extended Parris family, my deepest condolences. Roger was an inspiration all of his life to all he met. From high school when we first met and through our later years he showed you that there are no limitations on success and how you just go do it. I will always remember Roger as the original 'enegizer bunny', high paced, creative, and loved and admired by all. He will be deeply missed but I and you will have many, many fond memories of his time with us. My love and that of my family go out to you on this sad occasion.
September 22, 2014
Sorry to hear of Rogers passing . We remember Roger as an good friend and soldier in CHRIST. We were remembering our good days together in Fort Sam Houstion and reuninting again at the army reunions. Roger and Kathey were always remembered in our prayers. There has been another Victory in the LORD. Rogers kindness and spirit will awalys be remembered. Nice to rember those who were Pillers in CHRIST. Roger and Carol Eicher (Bellefonte, Pa.)
September 22, 2014
Lady Kathy, Bobby and Ann, Steve and the Parris family...
.Kindly accept our warm and sincere condolences on the passing of our dear Roger. He has lived a remarkable life of lasting examples of what a child of God should be like . For this we are grateful and we pray that our own lives can reflect even a small portion of his life's testimony. We feel privileged and blessed to have known and be associated with him. We trust that the wonderful memories he has left us all will serve to edify and enrich our lives for ever. He has done well and have finished his journey wonderfully. We are sure he will be deeply missed but what a LEGACY he has left for us.
Take care and our love will be with you all.. always.
Merle & Howie Rowe and Family.
Calgary.,..Alberta ,.Canada.
September 21, 2014
My dear Kathy and family. Heartfelt condolences on this sad occasion. It evokes floods of fond and loving memories. May Roger's obedience and
faithfulness to the gospel message be a sustaining comfort as you forge the road ahead. With deepest sympathy.
Evelyn Potter, Vietnam
Larry & Sherry Baysinger
September 21, 2014
We are so thankful that we had the privilege of meeting Roger and Kathy and family members at Vietnam Veteran reunions. Thank you Kathy for keeping us informed about Roger's health as our thoughts often went to you and your family learning to live without your beloved while he was still here. We are so thankful that while he achieved so much here, he was also laying up treasure in Heaven and now is enjoying the inheritance promised to Jesus faithful followers.
September 21, 2014
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY!! MR. PARRIS WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON TO ME AND MY FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISS!!.
EASTON WALLACE AND FAMILY (EVANSTON, IL)
glenroy fields
September 21, 2014
"my deepest condolences to the parris famaily may god keep you strong in your time of need"
Yvonne Dixon
September 20, 2014
Dear Kathy,Bobby, Stevie, et al.
God blessed us with Rog, an unusual, splendid son of the Most High. It is always an honor to speak things of good report when one transitions. Rog was surely ambitious, was as good as his word, and delightful. He will ever be missed by those of us who knew him. Comfort to his family. Yvonne Dixon
Denise Campbell
September 20, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobbie, Stevie and the Parris family. Our thoughts and prayers are there with you at this time. Roger will be missed by so many, but may the memories of a life well spent serving God and others, cheer your hearts in the coming days. Love, Dimps, Steph, Jr, Clive (Campbells in CA).
Hella Johnson
September 20, 2014
Dear Parris Family,
We wish you the all of God's grace to bare your great loss and hope you take comfort in the fact that Roger will be reunited with family and friends in the beyond. Our deepest sympathy to you and the whole family. God bless you all.
Aunt Hella, Sandra and family, Jennifer and family, Brenda and family.
Jonita Johnson
September 20, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, and Stevie,
My deepest condolences to each of you, and to the extended Parris family. Roger was a great husband and father. Anyone who had the privilege of being in the presence of your family saw that he truly loved and adored each of you. I admired him for the person that he was. He was thoughtful, smart, always compassionate toward others, and an excellent teacher. He taught me many things about real estate and how to handle various business situations. He taught me to trust my instincts by allowing me the freedom to work independently, but with nurturing guidance. Even though I have not been in Evanston for quite some time, I felt comfort knowing that Roger, and you Kathy, were just one phone call away. He always made me feel that he was a friend I could trust. I will truly miss him, as I already have over the years. Each of you will be in my prayers.
Andrew J Williams
September 19, 2014
Roger,you were a great Teacher and Friend. You will be missed.
God bless you ! My prayers are with your Family.
A.J
Burnett Burton
September 19, 2014
Roger was a dear friend and brother in Christ. Over the years I have proved him to be most generous and kind, demonstrating christ like qualities of the christian faith. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to Kathy, Bobby, Stephen and all the other members of his family. May God comfort you all.
Burtons -Burnett, Norma, Karelle, Leighton & David.
Edward Beasley
September 19, 2014
Roger was a good friend, an encouragement and a faithful correspondent of mine for a number of years. I'll not forget him. My condolences to Kathy, Bobby and Steve
September 19, 2014
Roger and I graduated from Phillips together in January 1965. I'm proud to have known him, and for the motivation and leadership he demonstrated at such an early age. My wife and I extend our prayers for the family with the realization he is in a better place. Peace be with You!
Les and Carmen Sidney (Chicago IL.)
Dr. Curtis Webley & Family
September 17, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, & Steve,
I know that Roger had suffered a long and challenging illness, and I completely sympathize with your loss. I also know that you worked tirelessly, ambulating back and forth to ensure that Roger's needs were met and his vision of community building continues. His death, however, allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the symbiotic relationship he and I had, which I shared many times with my family and friends.
Did you know that Roger was the only person who was willing and able to give me a personal loan for $2,000.00 without a repayment plan? The first person who gave me a job in accounting at his Real Estate office on Dempster Street, Evanston after I graduated from college and was unemployed for years? The only entrepreneur I have known who extended a helping hand to immigrants, (regardless of language, color, race, religion, or nationality) searching for a better life in this great America? The only person who voluntarily gave me a Chevy Catalina to drive to work in the winter? The only person who believed in me, and without a credit check, allowed me to rent one of his apartments, and prorated the security deposit in affordable increments?
Therefore, it should not be a surprise to know that Roger Parris (whose business acumen, thirst for community development, social skills, and humanitarian contributions remained unmatched) was one of my role models. This is precisely why I will miss him. However, while death is final on this earth, it also is the beginning of a new journey. Roger has laid the foundation and has left you with an entrepreneurial and social legacy. I am sure that Bobby and Steve will emulate and continue on similar paths, and Kathy will continue to cement the family relationship ensuring that the union of togetherness, courteousness, integrity, and sharing and caring for others, continues.
Best Wishes.
September 17, 2014
Joyce my friend my thoughts and prayer are with you as you experience the loss of your love one.
Peace & Love
Willie shaw
Lana Parris
September 17, 2014
Fond memories flood our hearts as we think back to the times we spent visiting Uncle Roger, and Aunt Kathy and the boys during March breaks. Uncle Roger always found time to accompany us to the museum, other relatives, and plenty of restaurants & fast food joints just for fun. We'll never forget his kind and thoughtful nature. May God continue to comfort and bless you all at this time.
Madge Coote
September 17, 2014
Words are inadequate to describe the empty space left with the passing of Mr Parris. He was our boss, a brother in Christ, a protector, a defender and our mentor. Mr Parris did not need to seek the affirmation of anyone. He was never awed by the greatness of others, but always maintained the common touch. He has his own way of making his presence felt. He was a gentle, peaceful, loving and kind person. Mr & Mrs Parris have molded a template for others in the Real Estate Business and love for people there help and presence automatically liberate others. The family and community have lost the wisdom and love of one who fully understood the psyche of the common man. Roger will be greatly missed, but he will be remembered and cherished very fondly in our hearts. To the family and friends our hearts goes out to you at this difficult time. I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give each of you His fullest blessings, and His peace in your hearts and your lives. Rest in peace Mr Parris........
Dalton & Madge
September 17, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, Steve, Amy - I have a vivid memory of the 1st time I met Roger... it was 1975....I had just entered real estate and went to tour one of his properties. He welcomed me & offered one of his wife's cookies. Upon learning I was new, he advised me to offer something special at all my open houses - something that was unique, like his wife's cookies. He explained that people would always attend one of his broker open houses, even if they didn't want to see the property, just so they could have one of the special cookies. A moment in time - little did I know that Roger would go on to make significant contributions to real estate & his community & I would eventually have the honor of working with his son, Bobby. And, unfortunately, I never developed a special treat to offer at my broker open houses that could compete with Kathy's cookies.....the ones with raisins were the best!
Renee Finucane
September 17, 2014
To Kathleen & all of Roger's family:
Our thoughts will be with you as you face the days ahead packed with memories. As we remember Roger in the U.S. military, we appreciate the fact that he was a good soldier there, also a good soldier in the spiritual warfare. May your days become brighter as you remember the reward that Roger laid up in lifetime and is enjoying now. Our sincere sympathy to you and yours.
Verby & Jody VanHouten, Groves, Texas
Patrick warner
September 16, 2014
To the Parris family. We extend our most sincere and profound sympathy at this time. The fight is over. All we have now are the memories. All the best.
Suzanne Martin
September 16, 2014
Aunt Kathy, Bob, Steve, Amy, Riley and Henry: The depth of Uncle Roger's loss is painful for you all; I pray for your ability to remember, to cry, to smile, and to cope. Uncle Roger was a grand gentleman. A witty, intelligent, kind uncle – complete with magnanimous gestures toward strangers and family alike. I will forever remember his energy, courage, and laughter at hearing patois-laden stories. Comfort and peace is individual, but perhaps can be found in feeling Uncle Roger is now whole and comfortable and living a rich, eternal life with the One for whom he worked so faithfully.
September 16, 2014
Kathy, Bobby,Steve,
I am very sorry about your loss. I was one of the first tenants of Manchester Realty and I am still with you 40 years later, I appreciated everything Roger did for me over the years to make me comfortable. He will surely be missed.
Barbara Wortham Ghant, Evanston, IL
Jeff Mudrik
September 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I had the pleasure of working with Roger for many years, he was a great man and he will be missed. May your memories bring you comfort.
Averell & Dawn Elliott
September 16, 2014
Kathy, Bobby and Steve, the thoughts of Dawn and I are with you at this time. I knew Roger from as far back as I can remember and will miss him. His quick smile and positive disposition will always be remembered by us.
Keisha Stephenson-Reid
September 15, 2014
Aunt Kathy, Bobby, Steve, Amy, So sorry for your loss. We will always remember Uncle Roger with a smile, he was such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
christine foster
September 15, 2014
To aunt Kathy and the rest of family my sincere condolence to you all..just continue to stay strong may our saviour continue to give you the comfort you will need .. rest in peace uncil roger ....with lots of love always ...
Patricia Jarrett
September 15, 2014
Mr Parris was our boss for over 4 years. He was truly a gentleman, an angel on earth, and a supper nice and giving person. We miss and love him so much.
Pat & Jerry
September 15, 2014
Our sympathy for Kathy and family.Roger was a true and living example of God's love for all mankind. To be Roger was to be gentle, peaceful, loving and kind to your fellow man. Roger did everything for everyone unselfishly. Although he will be missed, he will be remembered and cherished very fondly in our hearts. Lawrence-Epps, Alabama
Rose Johnson-Harris
September 15, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby, Amy and Steve,
You are all in my thoughts, I know what you are going through at this time. I know it was not a sudden death but having been through the passing of Mother and Daddy, I know that unbearable feeling of losing someone so close.
We are all grateful for Roger's life, he touched so many of us, helped us when we were down, gave us advice, joked with us and was always there when we needed him most.
I mourned his suffering from that terrible disease and is comforted in the fact that he is gone home to rest.
We will all miss our brother in law, father, uncle, mentor, friend.
Love you Roger!
September 15, 2014
Kathy, Bobby,Steve,
So sorry about your loss. We will always remember the kindness shown to us by Roger over the years. Please take comfort in the fact that he was a good husband, father, brother and landlord. May God continue to bless and keep your family.
Allrick and Bev Wright, Evanston. IL
September 15, 2014
Kathy dearest, greetings from the Weekes Family here in Canada, Winston will add his sympathies also, this we know, Angela and Enid
September 14, 2014
Dear Kathy, Bobby (Amy, Riley, Henry), and Steve,
Our thoughts go your way today, trusting you'll enjoy special comfort and strength. We appreciate fond memories of Roger's kindness, warmth, and gentle humor... a quiet, positive influence.
Chan, Deb, Abigail & Jacob Ahn
Myong-ku and MiRyung Ahn
September 14, 2014
Kathy, so sorry for the enormous loss to you and your family. Please accept my sympathy. Roger was a good man and I will be forever grateful for all he did for me. May he rest in peace. Eton Anderson
Martha Davis
September 14, 2014
Wonderful memories of a huge welcome smile. Grateful for legacy of love and fear of God. Hugs to those that remain our hearts are turned toward you. May God's promises comfort you in the days to come. M.S.D
September 13, 2014
Our sympathies to the Parris family. Roger was a very kind man and always greeted us with a warm welcome. We appreciated being in the Parris home on so many Sunday mornings on our trips to Chicago. He will be missed by so many. Marty and Sherri Stringfield - Cambria, WI
September 13, 2014
Dear Cathy , Bobby (Amy, Riley, Henry) and Steve. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Love . Eddie and Betty Buttimer (Ireland)
Manley Pratt
September 13, 2014
Kathy and family you have lost a wonderful human bieng, a great businessman, a silent philantropist and above all a great familyman. It is a sad to see him leave us all, but it is a blessing he is gone from his suffering and pain. I just want you all to remember that the the good Lord giveth and he also taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Manley Pratt and Family, Gurnee, IL
Kitty Basith
September 13, 2014
I remember Roger as a kind and gentle man, with a good word to all he met.
My sincere condolence to Cathy and the kids.
Pauline Anderson
September 13, 2014
My dear brother in law, you will be missed. You did SO MUCH for all your family. Kathy, Bobby, Steve, Amy, Riley & Henry, my prayers go out to you. He was loved and there are so many people who have been touched by his love and kindness. Love you all. See you soon. Pauline
Larna Keane
September 13, 2014
Dear Ones: The peacefullness in the Spirit of our Dear Brother and Friend, Roger is missed; still we cannot be sad of where Roger is Now! Thank you for all those years that your shepherd heart fed us. Memories now........dear Roger. In your home was my first Unjion Meeting attendance. Love from Larna
Daryl Williams
September 13, 2014
Steve, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I did not know your father but knowing you and speaking with you over the years gives me an indication of who he was. Be well my friend.
September 13, 2014
We have such good memories of Roger thinking of your family and the loss.
Love from Jim and Donna Mrnak and family
Gwyneth Delaney
September 13, 2014
So sad to hear about Roger. I often think about how kind you both were to me in 1988 when I came to Chicago. Gave me a job and Kathy you bringing me a sandwich into work every morning and telling me there was something in the fridge for me.So kind both of you. Thinking of you all now in your loneliness. Thanks for everything. Gwyneth.
September 12, 2014
Dear Kathy and Family , our hearts are with you. Roger will be very missed, he was a wonderful Friend...Love and hugs,,,,
Dina & Eugen Tarnauceanu ( IL )
Justin wicks
September 12, 2014
Roger was a great man.
I always felt better after seeing him.
He had a quiet way of making people feel important - I appreciate his strength in The Lord and his example of Christ.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love - justin wicks
Lola Johnson
September 12, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Todd & Tamara Erickson
September 12, 2014
We have many warm memories of Roger. Love and care to Kathy, Bob (Amy, Riley & Henry) and, Steve
Darlette Seymour
September 12, 2014
Roger will be very missed. I have so many memories of time spent with the Parris family growing up - especially our trip to Jamaica together. Love and hugs to the family.
Kathy and Ron Huisman
September 12, 2014
Dear Kathy and family, our hearts are with you in deep sympathy and care
Nancy and Ron Einspahr
September 12, 2014
Loving thoughts going your way.
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