Willa Dean Jones Parrish

Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory, 1301 Neal Metcalf Road, Enterprise, AL 36330

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Posted by: MikeThompson
[email protected]
334-393-2273 or 334-347-2517
Date: Jul 26 2023 1:00 PM

Willa Dean Jones Parrish, 86, of Enterprise, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 25, 2023 at 7:45 PM.   She was lovingly cared for by her family and Compassus Hospice Care, Auburn, AL., after a lengthy illness.  Willa Dean was born in Geneva County, AL., to Maudine and H.C. Jones on December 25, 1936.  Willa Dean graduated from Enterprise High School.  She met the love of her life, Henry Augustus (Gus) Parrish, Jr. and married him November 16, 1956.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM, Friday, July 28, 2023 at Mr. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev.Karl Hudson officiating.  Burial will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. Mrs. Parrish will lie in state at the church one hour prior to service time. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 to 6:00PM on Thursday.  The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions which may be made to Mt Pleasant Baptist Church General Fund, 4015 Highway 27, Enterprise, AL 36330.

“Grandmommy”, as she was affectionally known, is survived by three children, Donnie Parrish (Dee Dee), Dadeville, AL., Connie Parrish King (Stephen), Opelika, AL. and Kay Parrish Pacheco (Michael) Pikeville, KY. She is survived by six grandchildren, Leslie Parrish Gattuso, (John), Atlanta, GA, Austin Dean Parrish (Carlie) Dallas, TX, Rebecca King, Opelika, AL, Amanda King, New Orleans, LA, Chandler Pacheco, St. Petersburg, FL and Henry Pacheco, Pikeville, Ky. She also leaves a legacy of two great-grandchildren, Katherine King and Mecci Parrish.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband, parents and siblings: Raymond Jones, Lavita Jones Moore, Harold Jones and Hazel Jones Rowe.

Widowed at the age of 34, she became a full-time working single mom.  She retired after 49 years from Citizens Bank, Enterprise, AL, where she was beloved by many customers and coworkers.  Whether a business or an individual customer, Grandmommy greeted everyone with a bright smile and made certain every transaction was done professionally and with a dose of southern charm.

She had tremendous love for her family and a multitude of dear and treasured friends.  Her delicious cooking was notorious.  It frequently brought many to the table, whether for a family gathering, an early morning pre-hunting breakfast or a Sunday night social after church.

Grandmommy was especially proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She delighted in seeing them wear the heirloom clothing she so lovingly sewed.  She was a role model for them to be voracious learners at any age, willing to “try” anything from ziplining to tubing.

An avid gardener, Grandmommy was often found in her beautiful yard. She tended her koi pond, planted and watered flowers, pulled weeds and enjoyed all God’s creation.  From lovely plants and flowers, hummingbird feeders to beautiful yard art, she delighted in spending many hours there.

No matter the location or situation, Grandmommy’s faith was always evident.  Her love for Jesus was always on display.  Her kindness and generosity of time and service to others was especially evident at her church, Mount Pleasant Baptist, where she served as Treasurer for many years. 

While our hearts are heavy, we are confident we will be reunited with her in heaven one day.

You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website:   www.searcyfuneralhome.com .

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