Irene Parrish

Mrs. Irene Griffin Parrish was born in Aline, Georgia on June 6, 1921 to the late Mr. Iley Griffin and the late Mrs. Siller Griffin.  Irene was the second of four children in the Griffin family which included siblings Odis, William James "Jay", and Ezelma. .  

Like her parents and other family, Irene became a member of the Sams Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she attended faithfully as long as her health would allow.  After moving away to be near her children, she still considered Sams Creek as her church home and enjoyed visiting with its members whether during service or their visits to her home.       

Irene spent the majority of her life in Candler County where she graduated from Byrd Junior High School.  She met and married Lonnie Parrish, Jr. to which seven children were born.  Through 52 years of marriage, "Buck” and "Rene" raised seven children, two grandchildren, and a nephew who they loved as their son.  Her beloved Buck preceded Irene in death in 1995, but remained in her heart and memory until her final days. When jokingly asked about remarrying, Irene would always affirm that she had married one man and that was enough.      

Irene found contentment in the freedom of being raised in the country. She loved reading her Bible and reflecting on her many blessings.  She enjoyed much laughter and overcame much sorrow.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sister, her husband, four of her children (Effie, Juanitrice, Carl, and Alton), and a grandson (Marlon).  

Mrs. Irene G. Parrish departed this life on Saturday, December 23, 2017 after an extended illness.  The following loved ones will miss her and cherish many good memories - three daughters:  Betty Cantrell (Kenneth) of Atlanta, Georgia, Novella Parrish of East Point, Georgia, and Sherrie Parrish-Booker (Rodney) of Powder Springs, Georgia; one son Danny Parrish of Fayetteville, Georgia; thirteen-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and  host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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