WILLIE PARSON

Dr. Willie L. Parson Of Blythewood, South Carolina, departed this life on January 5, 2012 after a valiant battle for his life against pancreatic cancer. He was born April 25, 1942 in Newellton, Louisiana to Fannie and Hense Parson, who preceded him in death. The Memorial Celebration of the Life of Dr. Willie L. Parson will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Allen University, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204, in the John Hurst Adams Gymnasium at 11:00 a.m. A repast will be held immediately afterwards in the Student Center at Allen University. Dr. Parson received his early childhood education in a one-room school house in rural Louisiana. He graduated in 1959 from Tensaw High School in Tensaw Parish, Louisiana. In 1962, he received an undergraduate degree in Bacteriology and Public Health from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. By 1973, he had gone on to earn a master's degree and a doctorate degree in Microbiology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Dr. Parson was a member of the faculty at the Evergreen State College for 34 years. He taught at the main campus in Olympia, Washington for 13 years and he also served as an Academic Dean of the University during his time there. Later, he served extensively at the Tacoma campus. He was dedicated to helping college students develop strong conceptual frameworks in the natural sciences with primary emphasis in microbiology, and to engage students in the responsible conduct of scientific research through explicit systematic training. His combination of educational experience - as a professor, college administrator and research in the private sector - provided an excellent foundation for his professional work. He took an active role in not only his academic pursuits, but community issues as well. He received many awards and accolades from the political and religious communities. Dr. Parson was granted the status of Faculty Emeritus upon his retirement in 2005. He and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Columbia, South Carolina to their retirement home. He was not well-suited to the status of retired and he felt he had more to contribute to Academia. He sought a job at Allen University, a Historically Black University, which was founded by Richard Allen, who was also the founder of his religious denomination, African Methodism. He was beloved by so many whose lives he touched. A testament to his life and work can be found on a web page set up by Nelson's Funeral Home of Ridgeway, South Carolina. Dr. Parson's commitment to education was continued at Allen University. He was excited to establish a STEM program for high school students. He was a nurturing father figure to the students, both socially and academically. Later, he accepted a position at Allen as the Head of the Biology Department. At the time of his death, he was an Executive Vice President of Allen University. There was "work to be done". He gave his all to support the students and the President of Allen University, Dr. Pamela Wilson. Dr. Parson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sylvia Sanders Parson, of Blythewood, South Carolina. He is also survived by 4 siblings, Eugene Parson, Dr. Hense Parson, Mary Parson and Diane Thibadeaux. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Hense and Fannie Parson, and a brother, Frederick Parson. Mrs. Sylvia Parson would like to thank the Evergreen State College faculty and staff, the Allen University faculty and staff, and a very special thank you to Dr. Pamela Wilson, President and Mr. Gregory Wilson, Dr. William Robinson, Dr. James O'Leary and Dr. Babcock, formerly of South Carolina Oncology Associates. And a very special thanks to Nurse Kim Eaker and the staff of the Hospice Program of Columbia, South Carolina. Please make a memorial contribution to the Dr. Willie L. Parson Student Scholarship Fund. The students and the University were very near and dear to his heart. Contributions should be sent to: Allen University - Dr. Willie L. Parson Student Scholarship Fund, Dr. Pamela Wilson, President, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204-1085. Services were entrusted to Nelson's Funeral in Ridgeway, South Carolina. www.nelsonsofridgeway.com