Gladys Marie Parrish

Rock Hill - Mrs. Gladys Marie Maness Parrish, 96, died Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Piedmont Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Bible Baptist Church, Fort Mill, SC. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park.

Born in Fairview, VA, Mrs. Parrish was a daughter of the late Anolis Francis Maness and Florence Deph Maness. Marie and her twin brother Ernest "Tee" Maness were born September 20, 1920 in Fairfax County, VA and the large family moved to Whitmire, SC when she was 5 years old. Her mother died when she was just nine and she was sent to live with an older half-sister, Vada. At 18, she moved to Rock Hill, SC to live with her sister, Margie. There she met and married Cliff (James Clifford) Parrish. They had four children - Sandy, Nancy, Jim and Sharon. Mother always worked hard - caring for her children and later in various jobs. She always had a big garden and was a great cook. She especially liked trying new recipes and special occasions included some fancy cakes. She also had a talent for singing and even in recent years, she often sang hymns to the residents and staff.

Mother loved babies and welcomed the grandchildren who called her "Mom Maw". After Cliff died in 1989, she continued to live in our home in Newport and hosted family gatherings. At around age 80, she started having difficulties and we moved her to a nice assisted living facility in Charlotte. After 6-7 years, she needed full nursing care so she moved to White Oak in Rock Hill. We really appreciate the kindness of all the management and staff.

Surviving are a son, Pastor Jim Parrish and his wife, Joy; three daughters, Sandy P Graham, Nancy P Johnson and her husband, Jerry, and Sharon P Mobley and her husband, Jack; 9 grandchildren; and 16 Great-Grandchildren. She was the widow of James C. Parrish, Sr.

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.