Obituary of Susan Estelle Parrish

Susan Estelle Parrish, with family by her side, peacefully departed this world to join her Lord on the morning of May 27, 2016 at 100 years of age. A resident of Auburndale and member of First Missionary Baptist Church since 1954, she is survived by a family and community of friends whose hearts have all been touched by her love, humbled by her kindness, blessed by her generosity, and inspired by her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Though she is now with us only in spirit, those who knew her will cherish her legacy always and she will not soon be forgotten. Her extraordinary journey began on April 5, 1916 in a rural area of southeastern Alabama. Born in a log cabin on Parson's Plantation to Madie ("Big Mama") and Abraham Crosby, Ms. Parrish (known by all as Estelle, and later as Mom or "Granny") was the second born of her mother's six children. Being raised on a farm during World War I and later the Great Depression, Estelle's humble upbringing instilled in her an unparalleled work ethic, a superior understanding of the value of family, and a passion for her faith. She proudly carried these values with her until her final days. As a child, Estelle attended a one-room schoolhouse and later went on to graduate from Malone (FL) High School in 1934. Soon after her graduation, Estelle married George ("Emmitt") Parrish and began her family on a farm in Pansey, Alabama. All three of her children, George Parrish, Mildred Cox, and Joe (Coach) Parrish, were born on that very farm. In 1954, Estelle and Emmitt relocated the family from the small Alabama farm to Auburndale, Florida. Though she left the farm, she still loved gardening and maintained a vegetable garden in Auburndale until she was in her early 90's. She was a full time supervisor at Bordo Citrus for nearly thirty years and, for many of her years in Auburndale, taught Sunday school at First Missionary Baptist Church. If the Church was open, and Estelle was not at work, you could find her there. She developed friendships at her Church that lasted for decades. She loved her Church family as if they were her own kin, and would be honored to know (indeed, she would insist upon it) that her final stop before the grave was at First Missionary Baptist Church. Estelle truly exemplified what it means to be a Southern Christian Lady in every aspect of her life. She gracefully carried herself with the charm of a southern belle, and selflessly dedicated her existence to caring for her family and serving Jesus Christ. Whether it was for a friend, a family member, or a total stranger, Estelle never refused the opportunity to lend a helping hand when someone was in need. She was a nurturing caregiver who indiscriminately extended courtesy, decency, and respect to all people. If she had the ability to help in any way, regardless of the situation, she would not (and could not) sit idly by. Even after her 100th birthday, Estelle would still absolutely insist upon being a part of meal preparation and clean up for all family function. Though she had grown old, she refused to rest until the Lord saw fit. The world has truly lost one of its most virtuous and kind people; however, her legacy will live on in those whose lives she touched. As much as she loved others, others loved her and she will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Emmitt, and her grandson, Kenneth A. Parrish, and survived by her children, George (Gwen) Parrish of Tifton, Georgia, Mildred (Veldon) Cox of Auburndale, Florida, and Coach Joe Parrish of Auburndale, Florida, and her sister Lois Scott (98 years old) of Ocoee, Florida. She had 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren.