Janice I. Parson

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
On September 17, 2025, our beloved Janice I. Parson was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 83. Janice was born to the late Theodore B. and Theodosia H. Irvin, on December 22, 1941, in Millsboro, Delaware. She was the second eldest of eight children and the twin sister of the late Clenone J. Irvin, Sr. She was a student of the Millsboro Public School system until the sixth grade, at which time she withdrew to help her parents raise her younger siblings.
Janice met her husband, Freddie L. Parson, in Lewes, Delaware. They later married in Salisbury, Maryland, on September 9, 1963. Janice and Freddie celebrated 62 years of marriage. During their union, she was blessed to raise their two children, Steven L. Parson and Lisa L. Boyd, and one granddaughter, Shallon M. Poulson.
Janice was known for her excellent work ethic. At an early age, she worked alongside her father, supporting his business, and assisted her mother with providing custodial services in their community. She also provided domestic services to a host of families throughout the Delmarva area for many years. Over the years, she was employed by Doxsee Foods, National Cash Register (NCR), Valasic Foods, Beebe Hospital, and the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. She eventually retired from the Indian River School District, where she worked at Sussex Central Junior High School as a Baker and at the Howard T. Ennis School as a Food Service Worker.
In her spare time, Janice was an active member of the Eastern Stars and attended Dickerson Chapel AME Church, where she served in the Hospitality Ministry, sang in the Adult Choir, and also with the Gospel Messengers family choir. She later attended Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes, Delaware, alongside her sisters. In her later years, she could be found singing along to gospel music on TBN, enjoying her favorite classic western shows, looking for cardinals and bluebirds, or waiting with a smile for "her buddy," her beloved son-in-law, to return home from work each day.
Janice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend. She took great pride in being there for those she loved and identified her family as one of the most important things in her life. Her life had many challenges, yet through it all, her love and care for her family and the Lord remained her focus. She often reminded her loved ones to rely on "Almighty God and Jesus Christ" and to "stay the course." Many identified her as a prayer warrior who always took time to express her love and gratitude to God for the life she was given, even in her final days.
Janice touched many lives and will be remembered for the godly advice, love, and support she provided. She always wanted her family to remain connected and continues to be the "glue" that holds everyone together. She was a protector and fierce advocate for everyone she loved. She strived to instill long-standing family values rooted in her unwavering faith and love for God. She was a powerful, respected role model-especially for the women of her family-modeling how to walk with dignity, grace, and strength. She could always be counted on to foster a sense of belonging and a safe space for all. Her love and presence have always felt like home. Her name, Janice, in Hebrew means "God is gracious."
Today, as we lay her to rest, we are eternally grateful to God for graciously allowing us to love and be loved by her. Family and friends, as we mourn her passing, please be comforted that we haven't totally lost her; we've just lost contact with her for a little while. Our prayer is that you find solace in the hope of Christ's resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited with her in God's Eternal Kingdom.
Now rest, my love, in the arms of Jesus our Savior. You are forever free from heartache, pain, and sorrow-free to rejoice in the presence of the Almighty. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21, KJV)
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore B. and Theodosia H. Irvin; one brother, Clenone J. Irvin, Sr.; and three sisters, Shirley A. Taylor, Reverend Frances D. Irvin, and Joyce V. Hughes.
She leaves behind to carry on her legacy and cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Freddie Parson of Georgetown, DE; her two children, Steven Parson of Georgetown, DE, and Lisa Boyd (Sherman) of Willingboro, NJ; two sisters, Marcella Smith of Roxanna, DE, and Barbara Reese (Perry) of Easley, SC; and one brother, Theodore Irvin, Jr. (Jane) of Millsboro, DE.
She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Shallon Poulson of Milford, DE; Shernay Boyd of Willingboro, NJ; Giavanna & Caryss Parson of Bradenton, FL; Raelynn Parson of Milford, DE; and Roman Taylor of Dover, DE; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
In addition, Janice is survived by four sisters-in-law: Vera Turner of Milford, DE; Dorothy Parson of Milford, DE; Beatrice Thomas of Upper Marlboro, MD; and Jean Griffin of Quitman, GA; and one brother-in-law, James Parson of Lewes, DE.
Lovingly Submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice, please visit our floral store.