Elda Parrish Obituary

Elda Gatlin Parrish, known affectionately as “Gran” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren passed away on January 13th, 2025 in her home surrounded by kids, grandkids, and her husband of 68 ½ years.  Born in East Texas on July 10th, 1936 she lived a life rooted in love, family, and a deep sense of home.  Elda was a woman of simple joys and unwavering devotion.  She was a devoted wife to Marcellus Parrish, who she married on June 2, 1956.  She built a life alongside him marked by resilience and adaptability as they navigated countless moves for his career in public school business. Despite the many places they lived, Elda ensured their home, where ever it was, remained a sanctuary of love and comfort.   

For years and years, and many many summers, you wouldn’t find them at their home here in East Texas, but rather in their home on wheels, that was pulled across the United States behind Grandpa’s truck.  Though Gran would tell you that she would rather stay home, she made their RV a special place as they made countless memories with friends and family while traveling.

Elda’s home, no matter where it was, was a haven for friends and generations of family.  Her love for hosting was evident in her many holiday gatherings, where her decorations were always thoughtfully placed for every season.  If she wasn’t preparing food in the kitchen, she could be found behind a very large camcorder on her shoulder capturing all the moments, or in her more recent years, capturing still pictures of everything the great grandbabies did.

Elda’s hands were rarely still.  She nurtured flowerbeds and kept her yard in perfect condition, worked endless hours at the computer researching her family’s genealogy and the history of the Concord community, and daily filled her kitchen with the aroma of southern dishes like roast and potatoes, collard greens and peas, or really whatever Grandpa wanted.  She was ALWAYS willing to drop what she was doing to make pancakes for the great grandkids upon request.

Elda wanted to be wherever her grand kids and great grandkids were, and that often meant in a basketball gym or on a ball field, no matter the distance.  Even in her last days, when her energy waned, Elda could still muster the strength to make sure she was in the bleachers watching her babies do what they loved.  Her kids, grandkids, and great kids where her biggest joy!

Elda’s life is a tapestry of moments both tender and vibrant.  She was a light to her family, her church, her community, and all fortunate enough to have known her.  Elda Parrish’s legacy will live on in the hearts she touched and the love she so freely gave. 

Elda is proceeded in death by her mother and father; Sister, Estelle Mahan; sister, Melba Schochler; and brother Elvin B. Gatlin.

She is survived by her husband of 68 ½ years, Marcellus Parrish – Her son, Dwayne Parrish and wife Kathy.  Her Daughter Michelle Pena.  Grandchildren Katie Carter and husband Cooper, Cody Rosier and wife Britni, Kayne Parrish and wife Vienna, Rachel Atterton and husband Matthew, and Kaci Mitchell.  Blair Cox (Kevin) Coward, SC, Daina Welch (Michael) Cades, SC.  Great grandchildren: Kynlee & Tanner Atterton, Mason & Hunter Connally, Weston Rosier, Dixie, Wyatt, and Gunner Metcalf, and Ethan, Bryce, & Zachary Mitchell; Laiklyn & River Welch Cades, SC.