Dorothy Mae (Wells) Parrish

Dorothy Mae Parrish entered this world as Dorothy Mae Wells on August 29, 1930, born to Odessa and John.

 She was raised in Stuarts Draft, Virginia by her grandparents Ressie and Anderson Wells.  Odessa had 7 children, and Dorothy was the second to the oldest. She preceded in death by her 3 sisters, and two brothers.

Dorothy was educated in Stuarts Draft and attended the Booker T. Washington School, where she would return year after year for the school’s reunion; something she really enjoyed along with her sisters.

Dorothy left Virginia when she was very young and began to live her life. She lived in a couple of states such as Maryland, and New Jersey, but spent most of her life in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, where she reared 4 children Libby, James,  Shawne and Jan on her own after becoming a widow of her first husband. Her daughter Jan preceded her in death. 

Dorothy, affectionately known as Ms. Dot, was raised in the church and spent a lot of her time there. She was a devoted member of Christ Community Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where she served on the Nurses Unit, Choir, Hospitality Committee and was a Trustee’s Aide.

 Ms. Dot was very creative and could make anything. She loved arts and crafts. One of her favorite pastimes was sewing. She made dresses that she and her sisters would wear to the class reunion. Making everything match was important to her.  You could not a find more organized person.

 Dorothy was a fashionista who loved her high heels.  She loved to collect bells. Her collection consisted of bells from almost every state and many different countries. She was also known for her butter cakes which everyone loved.

Dorothy worked as a nurse’s aide and caregiver. She was a natural at caring for others. It made her happy to be able to help someone.

In 1997 Dorothy married her soul mate and love of her life Cornelius Parrish, who preceded her in death.  This union gave her more family to love. A step-daughter Connie, and step son Dwayne who preceded her.

After many years of happiness in Philadelphia, Dorothy and Cornelius decided to return to their home state of Virginia.  Dorothy and Cornelius loved being in their new home. Dorothy became a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. She enjoyed the programs the church offered. She attended until her health no longer allowed her to. Dorothy was a giver in this world. She had two favorite sayings.  “Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you”, and” I’m not complaining, I’m just explaining”.

On June 15, 2022 Dorothy departed this life for her heavenly home.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Libby (Betty) Jones (Melvin) PA., James Wells (Patricia) PA., Shawne Awkward VA.; her brother, Mark Barksdale; her grandchildren Illyon Jones, Itiel Jones( Nicole), Aisha Jones, Aaliyah Jones, Shawne Wells (Jennifer), James Wells Jr. (Amanda), Jameta Johnson (Kenneth), Eddie Wells, Devyn Levene (David), Shawne Rouse (Tiffany); 23 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day.

(2 Timothy 4: 7 - 8a)

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 415 North Augusta St., Staunton.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:00am, until the hour of the service, 11:00am.  Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro.

Share memories and condolences and view obituary at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville is serving the family.

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