Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Spouses
BirthOct 22, 1921, North Carolina470, Kemp Wayne “Red” Parrish
BurialParklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia470, Kemp Wayne “Red” Parrish
ChildrenKemp Leon (1943-2003)
 Nancy Joann (1948-2012)
Obituary Online notes for Oletha Ruth BROWN
SEAFORD, VA. - Oletha B. Parrish, 86, was taken by the angels on July 29, 2009 at Mary Immaculate Hospice after a month's illness. She was born on July 7, 1923 in Guilford County, NC. She married Kemp W. "Red" Parrish on March 21, 1942 and was married for 30 years. She was the daughter of the late Charles O. Brown and Molly M. Lambert.

Oletha with her husband owned and operated Parrish Iron Works for many years until her husband's death in 1972. She also worked as a switchboard operator at Headquarters Tach LAFB from 1974 until her retirement on November 30, 1990. She loved helping friends and family whenever needed. She loved gardening with her flowers, enjoyed nature, long walks on the beach with her friend Martha, and square dancing with her husband. She also enjoyed traveling, fishing, boating and camping over the years. Gospel singing and going to gospel concerts also brought her much joy. She enjoyed collecting angels and thimbles and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a member of the Eastern Star, Colonial Chapter 40 for over 36 years. She was a devoted member of Buckroe Baptist Church and readily volunteered wherever needed for over 60 years.

Oletha is also preceded in rest by her infant grandson, Adam Joseph Parrish; her son, K. Leon Parrish. She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Roger E. Parrish and Judy P. Parrish of Danville, Va.; her daughter and best friend, Joann P. Hill and son-in-law James B. "Jerry" Hill of Seaford, Va.; her grandchildren, David S. Parrish of Danville, Va., Kemp P. Parrish and wife Dede of Newport News, James P. "JP" Hill and wife Joni S. Hill of Yorktown; great-grandson, Jacob P. Hill; sister and traveling companion, O. Mary Johnston of Greensboro, N.C.; sister, Armeria Parrish of Colfax, N.C., sister, Euneva "Dot" Duggan of Carmichael, Calif.; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice, Palliative Care and the caring nurses of 3B, Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.MeM.com to share memories and words of comfort to the family.

The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m.on Saturday, August 1 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.

A celebration of Oletha's life will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.
Last Modified Feb 25, 2023Created Jun 29, 2025 using Reunion for Macintosh
Created Jun 29, 2025 by Terry M. Whitesell

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