Evelyn "Joyce" Parrish

Evelyn “Joyce” Parrish, 87, of Mt. Erie, IL, formerly of Hammond, IN, passed away on August 29, 2025, at Premier Assisted Living in Carterville, IL.

Born on January 15, 1938, in Mt. Erie, she was the daughter of Samuel Allison and Addiebelle (McKay) Allison, both of whom preceded her in death. On June 26, 1959, she married Ellis Parrish, and together they shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing on December 13, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sylvia Parrish; her sister, Edna Kay McKinney; and her nephew, Samuel “Sam” Gill.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Allison Parrish, and her granddaughter, Krystal Marie (Matthew) Parrish-Bennett; by her sister, Hannah Sue Stout; by her nephews, Joseph (Michele) Gill, Carl (LeCosta) Gill, and Patrick McKinney; and by her nieces, Sheila (Steve) Rupple and Sheila Gill. She also leaves behind several great-nieces and nephews who will carry forward her memory.

A lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, Joyce devoted herself to encouraging and guiding others through its values of service and leadership. She was also a proud member of the Hessville Historical Society’s “Little Red School House” for more than 30 years, where she poured her love of history and community into preserving its legacy. In her personal time, Joyce loved crafting, quilting, collecting treasures from auctions, and caring for her beloved cats.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5th, at the Waggoner-Chauncey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to your local humane society in remembrance of Joyce’s love for cats. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.