Winsome Kirby Parrish's Obituary
Winsome Kirby Parrish, 96, of Gainesville, FL, died Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Tallahassee, FL, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, James Lowell and Jane M. Parrish.
A lifelong resident of Alachua County, FL, she was born at home to Eva and John Thomas Kirby. She attended school in LaCrosse, FL, and graduated from Alachua High School as valedictorian. Besides being a farm wife and homemaker, she worked at the Norris and Blackwelder grocery stores in LaCrosse. She later drove a school bus and worked at Jay’s Dress Shop downtown. She volunteered at Alachua Elementary School and was a member of the LaCrosse Homemakers Club. She frequently drove Alachua Elementary students on field trips and the Alachua County 4-H girls to summer camp.
She was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church, 3612 NW 177 Ave., where she was the oldest and the longest continuous member. Activities included being a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher.
Other survivors include grandson, James Lowell Parrish Jr. of Tallahassee; granddaughter, Carol Parrish Hurst, grandson-in-law, Nathan Hurst and great-grandson, Branson Hurst, all of Tallahassee; her sister-in-law, Effie Kirby of Gainesville; and a host of loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.F. Parrish, and her brother, J.T. Kirby Jr.
The service will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends following the service, as well as Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street.
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