Elva Jean Parmelee

Elva Jean Hairston Parmelee, 95, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Born September 23, 1929, in Lexington NC to Marie Hairston and George Davis. Jean as she was known by family and friends, was a sister, mother and grandmother to her North Carolina family. Jean was known for her hospitality and kindness, always wanting to make people feel at home and feed them. Jean was baptized in the Yadkin River in Lexington, North Carolina. As a result, she was well grounded in her Christian faith and strong moral compass.
Jean is preceded in death by her son Robert Neal and daughter Barbara Fowler, and is survived by her daughter Linda Grimes of Raleigh, grandson Lonnie, and granddaughters Marlowe, Son, Andrea and LaShonda along with her great grandchildren. She loved her North Carolina family deeply. Jeans's siblings Glenn, Kathleen, Melba and Johnny preceded her in death as well.
Jean made her home in Scottsville, New York with her husband the Reverend Kenneth Parmelee Junior. They were married over 30 years. Jean worked as a fraud analyst for Chase Manhattan Bank.
Jean served as a deacon, elder and Rochester delegate for the Downtown United Presbyterian Church. She volunteered for the New York State Board of Elections voter precinct for many years. Jean and her husband Steve shared many pastimes, travelling overseas and driving their recreation vehicle across the country. They rallied for the Buffalo Bills Football team and became the designated Rochester NY booster club leaders.
In 2003, Jean moved to Wakefield Pines subdivision in Raleigh, NC making more friends!! She joined Millbrook United Methodist Church serving as an usher for many years.
In her later years, Jean was appreciative of her friendship with David Kraszeski, and Sharon Danner, her primary caregiver. She gave them all her hugs and kisses galore. There will be a memorial service in early July to honor the life and memory of Jean at Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh, more information to follow soon.
As her daughter, am grateful for all she taught me: determination, Christian faith and generosity- truly a role model. Thanks to everyone for your love and support in her life and in my life. A memorial service will be held on July 22, 2025, at 11 AM at the Millbrook United Methodist Church, 1712 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC.